Tornado Watch Extended for Tolland; County Crews Help in Monson, MA

Updated 9:50 p.m.

The tornado watch has been extended until 11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Crews from Tolland County have responded to Monson, MA, to assist emergency crews in the town just over the Stafford line where a tornado touched down earlier this evening, .

Updated 6:25 p.m.

The Nation Weather Service has extended the tornado watch until 8 p.m.

The service offers these tips on tornado safety:

• Avoid windows
• Get into the basement or under some kind of strudy protection for cover

Original story:

A tornado warning and a severe thunderstorm watch are in effect for Tolland and northern Connecticut until 5:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

According to the NOAA Web site, local law enforcement reported that a tornado touched down in Westfield, MA. An amateur radio operator reported seeing a tornado in the Springfield, MA, area. This tornado is presumed to be moving west and residents in Massachusetts along the Connecticut border, and those in Connecticut, have been warned to take precaution.

The thunderstorm is reported as being “capable of producing quarter size hail.”