A potent cold front will bring the threat for gusty thunderstorms and flooding rain to the Mid-Atlantic today.
This cold front will bring relief from the recent heat and humidity, but that relief will come with the risks for thunderstorms to produce wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph and heavy rainfall that will lead to localized flooding.
The government's Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the Mid-Atlantic inside a Slight Risk for severe weather for today. This includes Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for northeast Virginia, Maryland, Deleware, southeast Pennsylvania, most of New Jersey, and a small portion of New York. This includes New York City, Philidelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Wilmington, Del., and Harrisburg, Pa. Damaging wind events up to 65 mph are possible as well as hail up to an inch in diameter. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
With a very humid air mass in place across the Mid-Atlantic ahead of this cold front, concerns are growing for localized flooding, especially in low-lying, poor drainage, and urban areas this afternoon and evening. Localized rain amounts up to 3 inches will be possible.
Flood Watches are in place from northern Virginia into Connecticut for this afternoon and evening. Cities such as Hartford, Conn., Scranton and Allentown, Penn., Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and Dover, Del. are included in these watches. Remember, if you see a flooded roadway, “Turn around, don’t drown!”
Additional strong to severe thunderstorms will develop over the Rockies into the western High Plains this afternoon and evening. Another Slight Risk is found across much of eastern Wyoming into Colorado, including Casper and Cheyenne, Wyo. and Denver where wind gusts in excess of 60 mph and large hail will be possible.
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!"
