The tornado warning associated with this storm has been allowed to expire, and the rotation has weakened. There is still a severe thunderstorm warning associated with this line of storms across extreme southern Massachusetts, eastern Connecticut and all of Rhode Island.
Even though the threat of a tornado is no longer an issue, keep aware of the threat of damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, and lots of lightning.
The following information was valid between 500-530PM Eastern Time.
There have been reports of funnel clouds in West Springfield, MA with this storm, and it's moving into areas east of Springfield MA and northern Connecticut. The storm has strong rotation on it, and is moving southeast at 30 MPH.
Here's a picture of a funnel cloud in West Springfield, MA from this storm. Picture belongs to WWLP-TV.
Worcester and Hampden Counties in Massachusetts as well as Tolland and Windham Counties in Connecticut are currently under a tornado warning due to this rotating thunderstorm. The communities of Monson, Stafford, Brimfield, Wales, Holland, Union, Sturbridge, Southbridge, and Eastford can expect this potential tornado over the next 30-45 minutes.
Folks in northeastern Connecticut, as well as Rhode Island, need to keep an eye on this storm over the next few hours.
Here is the base reflectivity, showing the precipitation in the storm. The red boxes denote the tornado warning:
And here is the base velocity, showing the rotation in the storm. Green is moving towards the radar, red is moving away, and where the two come very close to each other east of Springfield MA is where the possible tornado is.
Here is a zoomed out radar to give you an idea as to where the tornadic activity is occurring. Most of the storms through Connecticut are severe, with damaging winds and large hail. Even if you aren't under the threat for a tornado, there is still a potential for severe weather. Stay alert.
I'll keep updating this diary on this storm as long as there is a threat for a tornado, since this area is not used to tornadoes and folks may not be paying attention.