A large and powerful storm system will continue marching eastward today, bringing heavy rain and severe weather threats to many across the Northeast while blizzard conditions rage across the Upper Midwest.
This same system has produced numerous severe weather reports across the southern Plains and Gulf Coast states since Monday. Unfortunately, the severe weather threat will continue into the eastern U.S. this evening.
A strong area of low pressure is moving through the Great Lakes today, sending a cold front across the eastern U.S. this afternoon. Ahead of this front, unseasonably warm and somewhat humid air will stream northward and will collide with a cooler, drier air mass behind the front. Aided by some strong winds aloft, the threat of severe thunderstorms will continue this evening in the Mid-Atlantic states.
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability chart, across far eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania southward into central Virginia and Delmarva. Wind gusts in excess of 50-60 mph and large hail will be the primary impacts from thunderstorms today, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Cities at risk include Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
In addition, the Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability chart, across eastern North Carolina into southeastern Virginia. Here, wind gusts of 60-70 mph, large hail, and a few tornadoes will be possible. This includes cities such as Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Va., alongside Elizabeth City and Cape Hatteras, N.C.
A Tornado Watch is in effect across North Carolina's Coastal Plains and Virginia's Seven Cities region. Further north, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued from central Virginia into southeastern Maryland. These watches are set to expire tonight by 6-8pm EST
Flood Watches are also in effect across portions of western New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, and Watertown.
Outside of thunderstorms, gusty winds problematic for a much greater audience, including the whole Gulf Coast into the Great Lakes where numerous Wind Advisories have been posted.
If that weren’t enough, this same storm system will bring widespread snow and strong winds to the Upper Midwest today. Here, numerous Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings have been issued. Blizzard Warnings remain in effect across counties in northwestern Iowa, far southwestern Minnesota, and portions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories in effect for surrounding counties.
Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest on this changing weather. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid traveling in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.