Severe thunderstorm watch issued for R.I.

PROVIDENCE -- A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, according to the National Weather Service.

The watch is in effect through 9 p.m.

"A frontal system will approach the region, bringing the threat for strong thunderstorms this afternoon across north central and western Massachusetts, then will cross the remainder of the region through the afternoon into early tonight," the Weather Service says. "Some of these storms may become severe, with the main threats of strong to damaging winds as well as heavy rainfall that may produce localized highway and street flooding. There is also a chance for large hail."

More showers and thunderstorms are possible Thursday.

"A cold front crosses the region on Thursday with another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms, which will linger into early Friday across southern areas as the front slowly pushes offshore," the Weather Service says.

For more weather and updates, see providencejournal.com/weather.