Severe storms move east into Vermont

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- Severe thunderstorms are expected to move into the state that could bring hail and damaging winds.

The National Weather Service says there's the potential for a brief tornado, especially across central and northern Vermont Tuesday afternoon.

A tornado watch has been issued for the entire state until 9 p.m., which means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

A tornado warning is in effect until 4:15 for southeastern Orleans and northern Caledonia counties in Northeast Vermont.

The storms are expected to bring dangerous lightning and heavy rainfall in a short period of time.

The weather service says the rainfall could cause flash flooding in urban areas or in steep terrain of the Green Mountains.