Gusty Thunderstorms Rumble Across the Northeast

Spring-time thunderstorms are set to move across portions of the Northeast later today.

An early season outbreak of warm and humid conditions has spread into much of the Northeast over the past couple of days. These warm and more humid conditions will continue today and will help set the stage for some strong to severe thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening. 

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a small Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across New York into southern Vermont. This area is surrounded by a larger Marginal Risk, or a 1 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, into the Appalachian Mountains, eastern Great Lakes, and into the Mid-South where a few stronger thunderstorms will be possible today. 

Damaging winds and flooding downpours will be the primary threats from thunderstorms today. However, small hail and even an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. 

A few cities at the greatest risk for severe weather today include Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany, N.Y. Other cities at risk for stronger thunderstorms include Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Little Rock, Ark.

A larger, more significant severe weather event is shaping up across the central U.S. for Friday. A potent cold front will slice into a very warm and humid air mass that remains in place across the Plains to the Upper Midwest.

The Storm Prediction Center has already issued a large Slight and Enhanced Risk areas for Friday stretching from northern Texas to Wisconsin. Large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are expected in the afternoon and evening.

The best thing to do is to stay prepared and weather-aware, starting with knowing the difference between a watch and a warning should they be issued this week. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, and you need to have a plan in place for acting. However, a warning means that severe weather has been indicated and/or imminent, and you need to act fast to remain safe. When in doubt remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”