Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Monday Afternoon

Batten down the hatches: Rhode Island is expected to get some severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Officials with the National Weather Service are predicting severe weather today in Rhode Island from 4 to 8 p.m. as a storm system from Canada makes it way south. Some of the storms may be severe, with damaging winds as the primary threat. The storm's potentially torrential rainfall could result in flooding. Visibility will be poor on the roadways, officials warn.

Those with outdoor plans (including those who thought today would be a swell day at the beach) should head inside or to a vehicle at the first sign of threatening weather. (If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.)