Severe Weather Set to Roar From Plains to Mid-Atlantic

A trio of fronts will produce clusters of severe thunderstorms today. Most of these storms will target the northern and central Plains, parts of the Tennessee and Ohio valleys, and the Mid-Atlantic.

Heat and high levels of moisture will provide plenty of instability for storms to form and tap into this afternoon and evening. While nothing particularly organized is expected to develop, clusters of storms could contain gusty winds and hail. A couple of tornadoes are also possible in Missouri, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana.

The Storm Prediction Center has multiple Slight Risks (level 2 out of 5) where the highest concentrations of storms are likely. This includes much of the Dakotas, western Nebraska, eastern Colorado, southern Kansas to southern Indiana, and the southern Mid-Atlantic.

Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. could see these potent storms pass through today. St. Louis, Garden City, Kan., Rapid City, S.D., and Minot and Bismarck, N.D. are also susceptible to severe weather.

Heavy downpours are also a concern with these storms, which could produce a quick 1 to 3 inches of rain. Flood Watches are in place across Washington, D.C., much of northern and central Maryland, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southwestern New Jersey. Additional Flood Watches cover most of Kentucky, central and northwestern Tennessee, southwestern Missouri, southern Illinois, and far southern Indiana.

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!"