Severe Storms Target The Midwest, East Coast Once More

The weekend of storminess will conclude across the Plains, Ohio Valley and Northeast today, but not before more robust thunderstorms blitz through later this morning and afternoon.

Much like the start of the weekend, a front continues to be draped across the central and eastern U.S. The difference today is that a low pressure system will likely develop along the front and begin to sweep eastward across the Great Lakes and Northeast by this evening. This will essentially drag a cold front across portions of the Plains, Mississippi and Ohio valleys as well as the Northeast. The result will be additional strong to severe thunderstorms erupting over these regions later today.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has placed a Slight Risk (2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale) in three different locations today. One area is found over the Dakotas, the second one is located over the central Mississippi and Ohio valleys, and the third can be found over the Northeast.

Cities such as Bismarck, N.D., Aberdeen and Pierre, S.D., Springfield, Ill., Indianapolis, Louisville, Ky., Cincinnati, Charleston, W. Va., Scranton, Pa., New York City, and Boston are all at-risk for thunderstorm wind gusts exceeding 50 to 60 mph, large damaging hail and even a brief tornado or two.

While not within the main severe areas, cities such as Omaha, Neb., Des Moines, Iowa, Garden City, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., St. Louis, Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Richmond and Roanoke, Va., Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia could also see a brief robust thunderstorm today.

Additionally, these storms will be capable of producing heavy rain in a short period of time. Some areas could see 1 to 2 inches of rainfall today, which may lead to flash flooding. Flood Watches are in effect from central Iowa, northeastern Missouri, central and southern Illinois, Indiana, southern Ohio, eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia. If you come across a flooded roadway, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become 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!"