Strong Storms Pepper The Upper Midwest, East Coast

The sizzling summer heat will provide enough fuel for robust thunderstorms across portions of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys as well as the Mid-Atlantic today.

A front stretching from the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley to the Mid-Atlantic will set the stage for dangerous thunderstorm activity later this afternoon and evening. The unstable atmospheric environment will make it easy for storms to bubble up later today and when they develop, they’ll have enough fuel to last for long periods of time.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has actually place three areas of Slight Risk (2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale) across the U.S. today. This includes one stretching across the northern High Plains to the central Plains, the second one stretching across the central Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, and the last one over the Mid-Atlantic. 

A few cities at-risk for thunderstorm wind gusts exceeding 50 to 60 mph and large damaging hail include Glasgow, Mont., Rapid City, S.D., McCook, Neb., Colby, Kan., Des Moines, Iowa, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va. A few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out as well.

Outside of the main area of severe thunderstorms, an isolated robust storm will be possible for Omaha, Neb., St. Louis, Green Bay, Wis., Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. 

Additionally, these storms will be capable of producing heavy rain in a short period of time. Some areas could see 1 to 2 inches of rainfall today, which may lead to flash flooding. Flood Watches are in effect for eastern Iowa and eastern Virginia. If you come across a flooded roadway, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”

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!"