A potent cold front will bring severe weather and flooding concerns to much of the eastern U.S. today.
After a quiet start to the day, this cold front will push into the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states during the afternoon and evening hours. Along and ahead of this front, an unstable atmosphere will allow thunderstorms to bubble up, some of which will turn severe.
Areas from Baltimore and Washington southward to Georgia and southeast Alabama will need to watch for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening as the government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for these areas. An Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, stretches from eastern North Carolina to eastern Georgia.
Damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph and quarter-sized hail will be the primary threats from thunderstorms today. However, an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out, especially across portions of central and southern Virginia into north-central North Carolina.
Some cities at risk for severe weather today include Baltimore, Washington, Richmond, Va., Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C., Columbia, S.C., Atlanta, and Dothan, Ala.
In addition to the storms, locally heavy rainfall will accompany this front across portions of the Mid-Atlantic. Rain totals up to 2 inches will be possible from northern Virginia to northern New Jersey. A few unlucky locations could see rain amounts of 3-4 inches, with localized instances of urban flooding. As such, a Flood Watch is in effect from this evening into tonight. Remember, if you approach a flooded roadway, it is always best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Strong to locally severe storms will remain possible across parts of the Mid-Atlantic into the Carolinas on Saturday. Small hail and gusty winds will be the main threats on Saturday. A few gusty thunderstorms will also be possible across Florida on Saturday as a cold front sinks southward.
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!"
