UPDATED 6:40 p.m.

The National Weather Service has canceled the tornado watch early for Suffolk. A flood advisory has been issued. The excessive runoff is expected to cause minor flooding of waterways and low-lying areas. Motorists should never cross where water covers the road, according to the National Weather Service.

UPDATED 2:45 p.m.

Suffolk Public Schools has canceled all after-school and evening activities Wednesday after the area was placed under a tornado watch.

This includes the special School Board meeting that had been scheduled for tonight, which has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday in the School Administrative Offices on North Main Street, district spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw confirmed.

The meeting, which is expected to go into closed session immediately, was called to discuss legal matters surrounding zoning for Pioneer Elementary School, as well as the appointment of an interim board member for Sleepy Hole borough.

Earlier: The city of Suffolk, along with the rest of eastern Virginia, has been placed under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. by the National Weather Service.

Showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are expected today and tonight. Some of the storms may produce damaging wind gusts and large hail, according to the weather service.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes.

Residents should keep an eye on the sky and an ear tuned to the radio or television for updates on the watch. If a tornado is spotted or indicated by radar, a tornado warning will be issued. In that event, people in the path of the storm should get into an interior room of their home. Those in a vehicle, in a mobile home or outside should get to the closest substantial shelter.