Severe Storms Erupt Across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Ohio Valley

Rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms will be expected across parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Ohio Valley into tonight. 

A vigorous disturbance will track into the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Ohio Valley tonight, bringing with it scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms. Some of the thunderstorms will have the potential to produce heavy downpours, damaging wind gusts up to 50-60 mph, hail, and even a couple of tornadoes.

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) in the lower Mid-Atlantic as well as both the Kentucky-Tennessee border and the Virginia-North Carolina border. Cities under this risk include Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Charleston, W.V., Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va., Raleigh, N.C., and Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn.

Flood Watches are in effect across southeastern Ohio, far northeastern Kentucky western West Virginia, southern Virginia, northern North Carolina, and northeastern to central Tennessee. Rain amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be common, with some locally higher amounts up to 3 to 4 inches. Remember when a roadway is flooded, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!".

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for parts of the Delmarva Peninsula to central Virginia.

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!"