Call it stormy Tuesday -- thunderstorms lash the area

By Globe Staff

Strong thunderstorms are sweeping through Massachusetts this afternoon, knocking down tree branches and power lines, forecasters at the National Weather Service say.

Reports are flowing into the weather service of damage from wind gusts and lightning strikes.

Fire officials in Bedford said lightning ignited a fire at a home on South Street. The blaze was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.

Massport reported some weather-related delays at Logan International Airport, particularly on flights traveling betweeen Boston, New York City, and Newark, N.J.

The MBTA reported 15- to 20-minute delays on the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line after lightning struck a signal tower.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch will be in effect until 8 p.m, forecasters said.

Meteorologist Bill Simpson said a strong cold front was moving into the area that would lower temperatures from the 80s at midday to the 40s tonight in most of the state.

Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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