Report of funnel cloud prompts tornado warning

BOSTON -- In another day of severe weather in New England, strong thunderstorms produced hail and vivid lightning in some areas -- along with a report of a funnel cloud in western Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning shortly after 2:30 p.m. Thursday after trained weather spotters saw a funnel cloud near the town of New Salem. Witnesses also reported a funnel cloud in Sunderland, but police said there were no reports of a tornado touching down or causing serious damage.

The warning was lifted about 45 minutes after it was posted.

Earlier Thursday, flooding from torrential rain forced state police to close a ramp leading to I-391 in Holyoke.

A severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect for much of Massachusetts through 8 p.m.

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