Gusty Storms Possible From The Mid-Atlantic to Northern Rockies

A stationary front and a developing disturbance will provide multiple chances for severe storms, with a focus on the southern Mid-Atlantic, northern Plains, and western Midwest.

Storms will develop easily this afternoon and evening as much of the U.S. remains stuck in a hot and humid air mass. The nearly stationary front is draped from the central Plains to the southern Mid-Atlantic. As a new storm system develops in the Plains, the western end of this front will lift northward into Nebraska and eastern South Dakota.

The main concern will be with the developing system in the central U.S., where the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for gusty winds, hail, and potentially a few tornadoes. This covers eastern South Dakota, central and eastern Nebraska, southern Minnesota, and western Iowa.

Further east, there is also a Slight Risk in place where the greatest concentration of storms will likely be this afternoon and evening, which includes central and southern Virginia as well as northern North Carolina. While these storms may not be as robust as the storms in the central U.S., pockets of gusty winds will be possible with these storms.

More isolated pockets of storms containing gusty winds are possible in parts of the northern and central Rockies, Middle Mississippi Valley, and Lower Ohio Valley this afternoon and evening.

There is also a notable flood risk with storms along the stationary front in the eastern U.S. Flood Watches stretch from central and eastern Kentucky into most of West Virginia, Virginia, and northern North Carolina. Localized rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible, especially across central and southern Virginia.

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!"