60 Million People at Risk: Severe Thunderstorms

Nearly 60 million people are at risk for strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon. An enhanced risk has been issued for areas of the Northeast, as a low pressure center will slide northeast across thunderstorms throughout the day. Rumbles of thunder will arise through the late morning hours and last into the evening. The associated cold front will then plow from the central Appalachians toward the Atlantic and collide with the warm humid air mass currently in place. Strong winds and a tornado threat are the main weather dangers for areas in and around Harrisburg, PA including Philly which is under an enhanced risk. One threat level down is the slight risk, which encompasses major metropolitan areas like D.C. and Baltimore. However, the area from New York City to the edge of Columbus, OH is still under the marginal risk – where winds up to 60 mph will be likely with the passing storms.

The severe weather threat out West looks a bit different. A marginal risk spans from the Great Basin through the Southern Rockies and into the Southern Plains where there is a slight risk for the Texas Panhandle. The risk area includes the cities of Salt Lake City, UT; Denver, CO; Albuquerque, NM and Oklahoma City, OK. The cause of these afternoon storms will mainly come from instability caused by daytime heating at the surface. Upper level moisture will be present to help aid downpours and heavy rain, with the main weather threat being damaging winds and the chance for small hail. Expect the threat for hail to increase in higher elevations.

We will keep you updated here on WeatherNation on all the severe activity as storms begin to fire.

For Weathernation: Meteorologist, Tracey Anthony