Severe Storms Stretch From the S. Plains to the Northeast

An energetic front will help fuel severe thunderstorms from the southern Plains to the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast throughout the day today. 

Plenty of hot and humid air will continue to surge northward along and ahead of this frontal boundary. Cooler, drier air will press south and eastward behind this front. The collision between these two air masses will help spark severe thunderstorms today.

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a large Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, from central Texas to southeastern Michigan, northwestern Pennsylvania, western and northern New York, and northern Vermont. 

Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and blinding downpours will be the main impacts from these thunderstorms today. However, isolated tornadoes will also be possible, especially in parts of Texas and near the eastern Great Lakes. 

Cities such as Dallas, Little Rock, Ark., St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, N.Y., and Burlington, Vt. are all at risk today. 

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect this morning across portions of Oklahoma, southeast Kansas, and southwestern Missouri.

This front will continue to produce the risk for strong to severe thunderstorms on Wednesday across parts of the central Appalachian Mountains, Mid-Atlantic, and southern New England. A few gusty thunderstorms will also be possible across portions of western Texas and eastern New Mexico on Wednesday.

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 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!”