Severe, Scattered Thunderstorms Expected This Afternoon

Don't let those sunny blue skies outside fool you, meteorologists are predicting severe rain and lightning throughout the region on Monday afternoon and Tuesday.

The National Weather Service says a few strong and severe thunderstorms are likely to crop up this afternoon and continue throughout Tuesday.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop in the area of Smithfield and throughout Rhode Island between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. today, but activity will be hit-or-miss depending on the region. Thunderstorms have the potential to become strong to severe, according to a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service station in Taunton, MA. Large hail, damaging winds, dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and localized flooding could occur.

Todd Manni at the Smithfield EMA cautions those participating in outdoor activities this afternoon and evening to remain aware of changing weather conditions and be ready to take safe shelter should dangerous weather occur.

Flooding could also occur in areas with poor drainage as a result of sporadic, but heavy rains and those with outdoor activities across the East and West Bay areas should be prepared to take shelter if a thunderstorm approaches. 

Another round of strong to possible severe thunderstorms is possible on Tuesday as well.

What are weather conditions like in your neighborhood? Did you see lightning?

Tell us in the comment section below when unsafe conditions crop up in your neighborhood, upload photos of storm damage by clicking the "upload photos" button.