POTSDAM -- A tornado watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the St. Lawrence County region, as well as other areas of the North Country, until 3 p.m. 

The watch also includes the following adjacent coastal waters: St. Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg; and St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Saint Regis.

A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions could lead to severe storms and tornadoes. Tornadoes are capable of destroying well-make structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. 

Prepare now: 

• Know your safe location - ideally a basement or interior room. 
• Know signs of a tornado, including but not limited to: dark or green skies; a rotating, funnel shaped cloud; and loud or roaring sounds. 
• Be ready to act quickly if the watch is upgraded to a warning, or you suspect a tornado is approaching. 

The National Weather Service will issue an alert when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If you receive a Tornado Warning alert, there is imminent danger, and you need to take action:

• Take shelter in a substantial structure: if there is no shelter near-by, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head. 
• If at home or in a building: Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress. 

For more safety tips visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/tornado .

Continue monitoring updates to the forecast via local media or your nearest National Weather Service Office by visiting www.weather.gov and search for your zip code.