Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Long Island

A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect until 8 p.m. Monday for Long Island and New York City.

The National Weather Service issued the watch around noon, warning of the potential for heavy rain, wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail across the region.

The odds of rain will increase steadily throughout the afternoon and into the evening on Long Island.

The risk of severe thunderstorms will be highest in western Nassau County and New York City, the NWS says.

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces hail one inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceeding 58 miles an hour. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.