Dangerous Storms Take Aim At The Eastern U.S.
After more than 400 reports of severe weather on Sunday, a greater risk of dangerous thunderstorms exists today and will threaten parts of the populated I-95 corridor. Thunderstorms today will have the potential to create damaging wind gusts and a few strong, long-lasting tornadoes.
A potent upper-level weather system will slowly drift from the Mississippi Valley into the Great Lakes and Ohio and Tennessee valleys today. There will also be an associated cold front that slices through the Eastern U.S. today. Ahead of the weather system and cold front, warm and very moist air from the Gulf will be transferred northward the eastern third of the U.S. Meanwhile, much colder and drier air will filter in behind the system and cold front. This collision of air masses combined with strong winds throughout the atmosphere will be the catalyst for dangerous thunderstorms today.
There is currently a line of rain and thunderstorms found along the cold front that stretches from the Ohio and Tennessee valleys into the central Gulf Coast. This line will advance eastward through the Eastern Seaboard for the rest of today and tonight. The front will finally clear eastern New England and Florida by early Tuesday morning.
Already today, a Tornado Watch is in effect across northern/western Georgia, southern/eastern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also posted for far eastern Kentucky, southern West Virginia, far eastern Tennessee, the western Carolinas and western Virginia.
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a rare Moderate Risk (a 4 out of 5 on the storm severity scale) from central Maryland southward into central North Carolina and north-central South Carolina. Here, the main concerns within thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and a few tornadoes, some of which could be strong and long-lasting. Cities included in this Moderate Risk include Washington, D.C., Arlington and Richmond, Va., and Raleigh, N.C.
Furthermore, an Enhanced Risk and a Slight Risk cover much of the Eastern U.S. from central New York, central/eastern Pennsylvania and most of New Jersey southward into Georgia and northern/central Florida. Widely scattered to scattered damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes could still produce plenty of concerns here. Large hail could also be a threat, especially in the Southeast. Cities within the Enhanced and Slight Risks include Dover, Del., Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, Va., Wilmington and Charlotte, N.C., Charleston, S.C, Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando and Tampa, Fla.
As if dodging dangerous thunderstorms wasn’t enough, heavy, prolonged rain will be likely today, mainly in the Northeast. Totals of 1 to 2 inches will be common from the northern Mid-Atlantic into New England, with locally heavier amounts of 2 to 3 inches or more possible. This heavy, prolonged rain may result in flooding of rivers, creeks and streams as well as in urban, low-lying and other flood prone areas. Remember, if you approach a flooded roadway, it is always best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Flood Watches are in effect across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, northeastern New Hampshire and southern Maine.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be 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. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"