Firework Displays Threatened By Severe Storms

Nature's fireworks could come with damaging wind and hail across parts of the central and eastern U.S. today.

There will be no shortage of storms across the eastern two-thirds of the nation this afternoon and evening thanks to a hot and humid air mass in place. A cold front and a pair of upper-level disturbances could trigger pockets of severe storms in parts of the southern Plains, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a pair of Slight Risks that focus on the Ohio Valley, Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley, Oklahoma, and southeastern Kansas. Damaging winds and hail will be the main threats this afternoon and evening, with a couple of tornadoes also possible, particularly along the Ohio River. Minneapolis, La Crosse, Wisc., St. Louis, Springfield, Mo., Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla., Louisville, Ky., and Cincinatti have the best chance of seeing severe storms today.

Further east, clusters of storms containing gusty winds could move from the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic today. Thankfully, most of this activity will be confined to the afternoon and early evening, with showers and storms diminishing in coverage just in time for most fireworks shows!

Locally heavy rainfall is also a concern with today's storms in the Mississippi Valley and Lower Midwest, with localized rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches possible. Flash Flood Watches stretch from eastern Kansas to central Missouri, southern Illinois, and far southern Indiana.

Make sure to frequently check WeatherBug for updates, as a watch can quickly turn into a warning upon imminent danger. It is important to stay prepared for active weather. Make sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to take place, whereas a warning means severe weather is imminent and you need to act fast to prevent damage to property or even loss of life. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”