Tornado watch in effect
A tornado watch has been declared for Orange, Rockland, Dutchess and surrounding counties for this afternoon through 6 p.m.
Tornadoes, hail to 1 ½ inches in diameter, thunderstorms, wind gusts to 70 mph and dangerous lightning are possible, according to the National Weather Service.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Persons in those areas should be on the look out for threatening weather
conditions and check in for later statements and possible warnings.