SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Chief Steven Pinch and the Union Fire District of South Kingstown would like to inform residents that the town could experience severe storms Thursday evening, with a tornado warning posted as of 3:45 p.m.

A tornado watch is in effect until 8 p.m. for Washington County as well as much of southern Connecticut.

Chief Pinch recommends that residents take the necessary safety precautions to prepare themselves for potential storm impacts.

Union Fire District officers are ready to respond to storm-related emergencies as needed during and after the storm.

According to the National Weather Service, the storms could result in winds of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail, which could damage vehicles. Wind could do some damage to trees and power lines as well.

The following is a list of safety precautions that residents should keep in mind during and after a serious storm, courtesy the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency:

• Check flashlights and portable radios to confirm they’re working.
• Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other device before the storm.
• If you own a car, make sure its gas tank is at least half full in the event you need to travel. Purchase a car phone charger so that you can charge your device if you lose power at your home.
• Ensure that you have an emergency kit that has basic medicine and bandages.
• Include disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need in an emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
• Prepare your home by securing or bringing in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during strong winds or flooding.
• Be prepared by packing a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Do not forget to include needed medications and any valuable personal belongings.
• Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.