Severe Thunderstorm Watch Through 9 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Suffolk and Nassau Counties through 9 p.m. Wednesday.

In a special weather statement, forecasters predict severe thunderstorms will likely hit northern Nassau and western Suffolk Wednesday afternoon, mostly after 4 p.m. Strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning, heavy rain and winds up to 40 miles per hour have been reported by the Throgs Neck Bridge and are moving east. 

Forecasters warn of the potential for torrential rain, damaging wind and potential hail. Rainfall of up to a half-inch per hour has been reported. 

Drivers are warned to stay off the roadways, if possible, as flooding may occur. Those in low-lying areas may experience flash flooding, according to forecasters. 

A heat advisory also remains in effect for the area through 6 p.m. Wednesday, as high heat and humidity make the temperature feel like 101 - 104 degrees. 

Watch where the storms are headed via the National Weather Service's radar.