A tornado ‘can’t be ruled out’ in Massachusetts, with more severe storms possible

Less than a week after a tornado touched down in the Bay State, there’s a slight chance for another isolated tornado today, according to the National Weather Service.

The highest local risk for scattered severe storms is in western Massachusetts.

“Latest update for the risk of severe thunderstorms, primarily this afternoon,” the National Weather Service’s Boston office tweeted Friday morning. “Localized damaging winds and minor flooding are the primary threats, but hail and an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out.

“Keep a close eye on changing weather conditions!” NWS Boston added.

A few strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible from 2 to 9 p.m.

The main threats are damaging winds, flash flooding and large hail. The storms are expected to weaken as they move east, diminishing during the evening.

The ground is incredibly saturated from all the recent rain, so flooding can happen when some heavy rain rolls through.

After tornado warnings were issued across the region on Sunday, a tornado touched down in North Brookfield. The EF-0 tornado in Worcester County had a 2-mile path length, and its estimated peak winds were around 80 mph. The tornado damaged trees, and there were no reported injuries or damaged homes.

After the risk for scattered storms on Friday, a drying trend is expected for the weekend. Gorgeous midsummer weather should arrive for Sunday with mostly sunny skies, low humidity and seasonably warm temperatures.

Then, a gradual increase in heat and humidity is forecasted for next week, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible on Tuesday and again late next week.