A severe weather warning has been issued for Maine and New Hampshire until 8 p.m.

In the afternoon, scattered showers and thunderstorms will move through, possibly bringing damaging winds, hail, and localized water accumulations. There is also a slight chance of a brief tornado.

A warning means that conditions are favorable for the development of weather conditions. You have a few hours before action is required. Use this time to prepare for strong to severe storms.

A warning means the ingredients have come together and storms are actively initiating severe storm criteria. This means damaging winds and hailstones up to the size of quarters are expected.

At the time of this article, storms are moving through, and severe storms have been announced for some. The warnings add that wind speeds in excess of 60 to 70 miles per hour are occurring.

If a storm is approaching, seek shelter as you would for a tornado. Wind alone can cause damage and you want to protect yourself, your family and pets, making sure you get to the innermost part of your home. A basement, an interior hallway, a bathroom, anything that puts as much space as possible between you and the outside world. This is to protect against falling or flying debris.

Ability to receive weather alerts.

Maine's Total Weather Team will be in the studio and on site to provide you with updates on the storms moving through until the danger has passed.