Tornado watch issued for NYC, parts of New Jersey

The National Weather Service located in Buffalo and Burlington, Vt. has issued a hazardous weather outlook for northern NY through this evening. Check back for updates.

In southern CT, the storms are expected after 5 p.m. and there may be periods of downpours when storms roll through. But otherwise, the July 4 weekend has the promise for pleasant weather.

Strong thunderstorms are moving through the region Friday afternoon, some with strong winds and hail, the National Weather Service said on Twitter. There is even a small chance of a tornado forming during the thunderstorm. Gary Lessor, meteorologist with the Weather Center at Western Connecticut State University, said there is a five percent chance of a tornado touching down in the area. The showers and thunderstorm chances continue until around midnight. The National Weather Service was forecasting mostly sunny conditions Saturday with temperatures in the low 80s.

The weather for Sunday and Monday was forecast for much of the same.