Severe Weather, Possibility for a Tornado in the Cap Region Today

Update 1:21pm: Forensic Weather Consultant and former NewsChannel 13 meteorologist Howard Altshule says the potential for severe storms and a potential tornado has increased:

Monday morning started off with some much needed rain in Albany and the surrounding areas, but that's just the beginning of some nasty weather expected to hit the Capital Region today.

The National Weather Service has been monitoring the approaching storm and has upgraded our area into the 'slight risk' category for severe weather this afternoon.

The entire Capital Region as well as the Hudson Valley, Western Mass, and parts of Vermont and Connecticut could all see strong storms this afternoon.

So what to expect? Showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and into the evening, potentially strong gusty winds to go along with that. The NWS says conditions may be right where a tornado could also pop up in certain areas.

Heavy rain could cause flooding in some spots, strong winds could potentially take down power lines and tree limbs.

Over the weekend, the National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado did indeed touch down west of Kingston in Ulster County.

If a 'Tornado Watch' is issued, that means current weather conditions meet the criteria for a potential tornado. If a 'Tornado Warning' is issued, that means the probability for a twister is pretty much imminent. Radio and TV stations will issue warnings through the Emergency Alert System and your smartphone will also likely issue a warning. Keep an eye on conditions in your area and follow these steps if a Tornado Warning is issued: