Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Much of RI

RHODE ISLAND—Severe thunderstorms are forming over parts of Rhode Island on Thursday and residents are being warned of lightning, possible flooding and hail damage.

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Kent and Providence Counties. It has also issued a Flash Flood Warning.

"Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm and may lead to flash flooding," the National Weather Service warned.

The most impact will likely affect towns in central Rhode Island like Coventry, Cranston, Johnston and Smithfield.

While the first round of storms has a bulls-eye on central Rhode Island, the entire state could see storms into the evening with varying severity. Not every storm will deliver hail and torrential rains, but no Rhode Islander should be surprised to see rain or gusty winds at some point Thursday.