UPDATED: Massachusetts Under a Tornado Watch Until 11 p.m.

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

For most of the day, much of the state has been under a severe thunderstorm watch for Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night. Now the entire state is under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. tonight.

Forecasters say conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to spawn tornadoes.

Heavy downpours, winds with gusts up to 70 miles per hour and frequent lightning is expected with these storms, which are now prompting the tornado watch.

The National Weather Services says the severity of these storms will be dependent on the amount of heating (sunshine) that occurs after the first round of storms passes through.

The primary threats with the second round of storms are damaging winds with gusts up to 70 mph, frequent cloud to ground lightning, large hail (up to the size of golf balls), periods of localized flooding and a possible isolated tornado or two.

The highest risk for this round of severe weather is between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the potential for impacts to the evening commute.

The National Weather Service reminds residents when you hear thunder you are close enough to get struck by lightning and should seek an inside shelter immediately.

More detailed Winchester forecast here.