A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Middlesex County on Sunday afternoon as a storm in central Massachusetts barrels towards the coast.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said in a statement that the warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m., as the storm near Clinton moved northeast at 30 miles per hour.

Damaging winds in excess of 60 miles per hour are possible with the storm, along with hail, "deadly lightning" and torrential rain, the NWS said.

"Get to safe shelter now, inside a study building or in a vehicle," the NWS said. "Do not seek shelter under trees. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning."

Driver should also stay alert for flooding roads and ponding of water on roadways, the NWS said.