Dangerous Storms Take Aim At Mid-Atlantic, N. Plains
Over 23 million people will be at risk of dangerous thunderstorms today. This includes parts of the populous I-95 corridor in the Mid-Atlantic, with a separate area of severe weather also targeting the north-central U.S.
An upper-level weather system will slowly inch across the eastern U.S. today. The combination of strong winds throughout the atmosphere, plenty of moisture and daytime heating will be enough to trigger showers and thunderstorms. Showers and thunderstorms will likely develop closer to the Appalachians this afternoon, which will then spread eastward toward the coast through this evening.
To the west, a warm front will slowly lift across the north-central U.S. today. An abundant supply of atmospheric instability will build over the northern Plains today. This instability will also interact with gusty winds aloft and daytime today, allowing thunderstorms to bubble up later this afternoon and evening.
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk for northern Nebraska and central South Dakota that includes Pierre, S.D., and Valentine, Neb. Gusts up to 75 mph are possible as well as large hail greater than 2 inches in diameter.
A Slight Risk has been issued for severe weather from the Mid-Atlantic into the central Carolinas. This includes Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Richmond and Roanoke, Va., and Charlotte, N.C. The main concern among thunderstorms that develop here are damaging wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph or more. However, isolated large hail cannot be ruled out.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for central to eastern West Virginia, the western two-thirds of Virginia, Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, and northwest North Carolina. This includes Washington D.C., Roanoke, Va., Elkins, W.V., Harrisburg, Pa., and Mt. Airy, N.C. Scattered wind gusts up to 75 mph are possible with established storms as well as isolated events of hail up to an inch in diameter.
If that wasn’t enough, heavy to very heavy rain is likely throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas today. Rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour are possible, which may lead to scattered instances of flash flooding where the heavy rain persists the longest. Those in areas prone to flooding should monitor forecasts and be prepared to act should flooding develop. If you do approach a flooded roadway, remember it is always best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Flash Flood Watches are currently in effect from southeastern Pennsylvania and most of New Jersey southward into most of Virginia and central North Carolina.
A small Slight Risk has been issued southern-central Montana that includes Billings and Boseman, Mont. Main threats include damaging wind gusts and isolated cases of large hail.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today’s severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”