The National Weather Service has extended a tornado watch to Ulster and Dutchess counties through 10 p.m. Friday as strong storms move across the Hudson Valley.

A tornado warning was briefly issued for part of Ulster County, but has since expired. 

The weather service also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Westchester, Orange and Putnam counties through 9:15 p.m.

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Two rounds of storms were expected to buffet the Hudson Valley, packing the chance for heavy rain, dangerous lightning, damaging winds and small hail. The first round moved through this evening, but News 12 meteorologists say a second round of more severe storms will follow in the late-evening hours before clearing overnight.

Saturday is expected to be one of the top weather days of the year so far. It will be mostly sunny and warm with lower humidity. Highs will be around 76 degrees. Sunday will be partly sunny with highs around 65.