Johnstonians — Is Your Thunder Buddy Nearby?

If the atmosphere today had you thinking some thunderstorms were brewing, you'd be right. The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Special Weather Statement for the possibility of severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Thunderstorms have already been forming in Southern New Hampshire and additional storms are expected to develop across Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and Northern Rhode Island during the afternoon hours.

Some of these storms will produce damaging wind gusts, hail, lightning and heavy rainfall. The main threats will be gusting winds and heavy downpourts, according to the NWS.Residents should closely monitor weather conditions during the afternoon hours and take shelter immediately should dangerous weather develop.