Tornado Watch in Boston: Weather Extreme as Twister Hits Springfield

There is a tornado watch in effect in Boston on Wednesday evening with reports of a tornado touchdown in western Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m. EDT for eight Massachusetts counties, including Suffolk.

NWS reported Wednesday that a tornado touched down in the western city of Westfield, and just west in Springfield. It was unclear if there were two separate tornadoes or if it was the same one.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 9 p.m. Some could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. The day is expected to clear up by Thursday.

The main threats are strong to damaging winds and large hail, the NWS said. The best chance of strong thunderstorms will be across interior sections.