Durham and Middlefield Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 10 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Connecticut — including Durham and Middlefield — through 10 p.m. Thursday.

At 1:05 p.m., the National Weather Service said every county in the state except Litchfield — Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham — are at risk of heavy rains, hail and lightning.

A severe thunderstorm, according to the NWS, is a thunderstorm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour, the NWS says. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. 

They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, according to the NWS, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.