The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch for Peabody and surrounding communities.  

NWS says severe thunderstorms are moving across Massachusetts, bringing rain, high winds and the possibility of a tornado to Essex County. Localized flooding is also possible.

The watch, issued at 3:30 p.m. Friday, will be in effect until 9 p.m. for communities in Essex, Middlesex, Barnstable, Norfolk, Worcester, Bristol, Plymouth, Dukes, Natucket and Suffolk counties, according to NWS.

The Mass. Emergency Management Agency says that "if a Watch elevates to a Tornado WARNING, get inside, away from windows [to the] lowest central location in your home." It means a tornado has been spotted.

You can also learn more about tornadoes and safety tips here.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook was issued earlier in the day. Downpours and damaging winds are expected.