The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the entire state of New Hampshire today until 7 p.m.
A tornado watch means weather conditions could lead to severe thunderstorms and the formation of tornadoes, and people in the affected areas should be prepared to take action if a tornado warning is issued.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or is imminent in the immediate area, and anyone nearby should take shelter.
The National Weather Service has tips for taking shelter during severe storms and tornadoes, including finding an interior room in a building, or finding a building to seek shelter if you are outside.
Experts do not recommend seeking shelter in a vehicle or sheds, mobile homes, or storage facilities.
Tornados do occur in New Hampshire and the Northeast. In July of 2024, a tornado touched down in Lyme. The last full-state tornado watch was June 23, 2024.
There is also a risk of severe thunderstorms and localized flash flooding for parts of the state into Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The area of most concern for flash flooding is in and around the White Mountains, and into western Maine’s mountains, where a flash flood wach was issued Thursday afternoon.
Minor river flooding is expected on the Pemigewasset River in Woodstock on Thursday night and into Friday morning, according to the weather service.
