Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For Greater Boston Area

MELROSE, MA — A large swath of Eastern Massachusetts was under a severe thunderstorm warning Friday afternoon as storms roll across the state.

The National Weather Service issued its warning around 3:30 p.m., predicting a possibility of 60-mile-per-hour winds and nickel-sized hail in the affected area.

The warning lapsed at 4:30 p.m., with forecasters issuing a new warning largely focused on Boston and areas to the south of the city. The new warning still included several north-of-Boston communities nonetheless, now predicting 60-mile-per-hour winds and pea-sized hail.

The National Weather Service warned of storms earlier in the day on Friday. The agency then reported intensification of storms shortly before 3 p.m.

Scattered damage reports have surfaced across the state, including a handful of power outages in Medford as of around 4:30 p.m.

Anyone in the path of incoming severe thunderstorms is advised to seek shelter until the storms pass.