[UPDATED] Tornado Watch Issued For Old Lyme, East Lyme, and Lyme; Flash Flood Warning

The National Weather Service has extended the tornado watch for New London County issued earlier this evening until midnight tonight as thunderstorms and potentially heavy rains are heading our way. 

In other parts of the state, heavy rain has caused flash flooding. The National Weather Service has also issued a flash flood warning, meaning flash floods are occuring or are imminent, for New London County. If you see water covering a road, do not attempt to drive through it. There is also a severe thunderstorm warning for our towns until 11:45 p.m. 

Remember, a watch is not the same as a warning, which would mean that a tornado is developing or has developed. A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado and you should probably stay tuned to the weather channel in case it becomes a warning. 

The strong wind alert issued for today, by the way, is not associated with the severe thunderstorms and heavy rains that are predicted to be heading our way. Weather.com cautioned that wind gusts of more than 50 miles per hour are possible, which could also cause problems with downed trees and power lines.

We'll keep you posted!