Tornado warnings, high winds, flooding. What to know about storm that hit Brockton area

The Brockton area may not have gotten hit with a tornado Friday morning despite a warning in Plymouth and Norfolk counties — but the gusty thunderstorm knocked down trees and wires.

A couple of tornadoes did touch down nearby in Massachusetts Friday morning, one in Weymouth, and another in North Attleboro and Mansfield, the National Weather Service confirmed, WCVB is reporting.

They come on the heels of a tornado that touched down in Easton on Saturday, July 29.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday's thunderstorm was first located on radar near Hull or Quincy at around 10 a.m. moving northeast at 35 mph.

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Here’s what to know about this morning’s storm.

Mansfield Police update residents on storm damage

Through the town of Mansfield, police officers were responding to numerous areas for weather-related calls that may impact travel. As of 11:20 a.m., police reported that all major road were open.

"DPW continues to work on Elm St. by Elm Ter. Thank you to DPW, MMED, and Mansfield Emergency Management Agency for their hard work and quick response this morning!

68 Otis St. - tree down on wires -the road is open!

Elm at Elm Ter - reported tree on wires - the road is now passable. DPW will be remaining in the area for cleanup

Juniper at Hall - reported tree blocking the road - Juniper closed due to the tree, not affecting Hall. DPW to handle.

North Main St. underpass - flooding reported - flooding cleared by DPW. The road is open.

Franklin St. by East St. - reported tree blocking the road - the tree has been cleared - The road is OPEN 9:59am"

Why was the tornado warning canceled?

“The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property,” the NWS said. “However gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm.”

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How much rain has fallen in the Brockton area?

According to the NWS, between 1 and 3 inches of rain had fallen in Norfolk, Suffolk, South Central Essex, Southeastern Middlesex, Northwestern Bristol, and Northwestern Plymouth Counties as of Friday morning.

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What is the impact of the rain?

Flash flooding is expected in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

How high were wind speeds in Brockton area?

The NWS doesn't have a weather observation site in Brockton itself. The closest sites are in Boston and Norwood, so here are those numbers. According to NWS meteorologist Kevin Cadima, peak wind speeds were measured in Boston at 47 mph at 10 a.m., and in Norwood at 30 mph at 9:38 a.m. “Thunderstorms can reach up to 80 mph and for Boston, it’s not unusual to have multiple thunderstorms throughout the season measuring around 40 to 50 mph,” he said.

What to do if you get caught in a flash flood?

“Turn around, don`t drown,” is the slogan used by the NWS to prevent drivers from entering flooded roadways. “Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other thunderstorm related hazard,” they wrote on their website. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away cars and 2 feet for SUVs and trucks.

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What's the difference between a tornado watch and warning?

According to safety tips from the Bridgewater Fire Department based on guidance from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

• A "tornado watch" is when a tornado may occur based on weather conditions such as heavy rain and high winds.

• A "tornado warning" is when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. When a tornado warning is issued, you should immediately take shelter.

The same terminology is used for other weather events, including severe thunderstorms, high winds and flooding.

What are warning signs of a tornado?

Tornadoes can develop rapidly, often with no visible or advanced warning. Residents should remain alert to changing weather conditions. Common signs of an approaching tornado include:

• A revolving, funnel-shaped cloud

• A dark, almost greenish sky

• A large dark, low-lying cloud

• Large hail

• A loud roar, similar to the sound of a freight train

What to do to prepare in advance

• Create and review an emergency plan for your household

• Determine safe locations to seek shelter such as a basement, storm cellar or bathroom

• When seeking shelter, avoid spaces with large windows and open areas

• Create an emergency kit equipped with essential items including battery packs, non-perishable foods and anything else your family or household may need, including copies of important documents or medications

• After a tornado warning has been issued stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities until it is safe to do so

What to do if caught in a storm

• Be aware of potential flooding

• If outside, lay flat in a nearby ditch or low-lying area and be sure to cover your head with your arms, a coat or a cushion, if possible

• Watch out for flying debris

• If possible, seek shelter in a nearby building

• Never go under a bridge or overpass, remain in a flat location

What to do once the storm passes

• Call 911 to report emergencies and injuries.

• Stay away from downed wires or broken glass.

• Check your property for damage.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly.

• Stay out of damaged buildings until they are deemed safe by authorities.

• Continue to follow news and weather reports.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton area weather: Tornado warnings prompted by damaging storm