Weekend storms bring thunder, hail and tornado risk to East Coast, affecting over 90 million people
A cold front moving across the Eastern United States this weekend will trigger thunderstorms, hail, strong winds and a limited tornado threat, while also raising flash-flood concerns for parts of the Ohio Valley and Northeast.
A slow-moving cold front is expected to sweep across the Eastern United States from Friday through Sunday, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service’s forecast indicates a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk for much of the Northeast and the southeastern Great Lakes on Saturday, with large hail and damaging wind gusts as the primary hazards. A line of storms developing in the western Northeast late Saturday evening could also produce a few tornadoes, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
The storm system will extend southward, maintaining a Level 2 severe storm threat for western Virginia and North Carolina on Sunday. In addition to wind and hail, flash-flood warnings are in effect for the Ohio Valley on Friday, and a Level 2 flood threat covers parts of New York City, Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Saturday. A lower-level flood risk persists on Sunday for sections of Virginia and North Carolina.
Meteorologists note that thick Canadian wildfire smoke currently over the region is moderating daytime temperatures by reflecting sunlight, but the approaching cold front should clear the air as storms move in. Residents in the affected areas, which include more than 90 million people, are advised to monitor local alerts and prepare for possible severe weather impacts.