National Weather Service Issues Severe Thunderstorm Watch

The National Weather Service says be on the lookout for nasty thunderstorms this afternoon.

A watch not yet a warning, but be aware that we are likely in for thunderstorms containing potential damaging winds -- please no downed power lines! -- and hail and locally heavy downpours. 

Just in case, here's some tips on what to do, and what not to do during severe summer storms like the ones forecasted to begin rolling in in the next couple of hours. 

The National Weather Service forecast for Groton for the rest of today is below:

• This afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

• Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.