SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms that will hit western Massachusetts could produce damaging winds, large hail, heavy rains and even tornadoes.
A combination of very unstable air mass and an approaching cold front is expected to cause thunderstorms to develop rapidly and become severe in the Berkshire County early Tuesday afternoon.
Meteorologist Alan Dunham says a tornado watch has been issued for the region until 9 p.m.
The weather service says everyone who is outdoors should keep an eye to the sky and be alert for severe weather warnings.
The weather system comes as the state marks the passage of one year since four tornadoes touched down in Massachusetts, destroying or damaging 1,400 houses and 78 businesses in the state's western and central sections.
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