Severe thunderstorms targeting millions, flash flood threat from Texas to Missouri

Severe weather is on the horizon for more than 50 million Americans this Saturday afternoon, with the threat zone stretching from Indiana into the Northeast. Cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, Albany, and Hartford are all at risk, with damaging wind gusts being the primary concern. Along with wind, isolated large hail and frequent lightning are also possible with any stronger storms.

Severe thunderstorm watches have already been issued for parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. These watches include cities like Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Hagerstown, and Martinsburg. Additional watches may be issued as the day progresses.

Already, scattered severe thunderstorms have been impacting east-central Ohio, with reports of downed trees. A line of severe storms is currently passing south of Pittsburgh. These storms are expected to move eastward throughout the afternoon and evening, with impacts along the Interstate 95 corridor in the Northeast and New England expected between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.

The threat will diminish after this, leading to quieter weather for the remainder of the weekend. However, slow-moving thunderstorms with heavy rain could lead to flash flooding in some areas. On Sunday, severe thunderstorms are possible in parts of the northern Plains, including the Dakotas, with damaging wind gusts and large hail as the main hazards.

In addition to the severe weather threat, heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms are sweeping across parts of the southern Plains and Midwest this weekend. Flood watches have been issued from north Texas up to southwest Missouri, including cities like Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Springfield. Flash flooding could occur in areas with the heaviest rainfall.

Although summer heat remains in place across much of the Northeast, a brief cooldown is expected in the coming days as a cold front moves through. This cooldown will bring temperatures closer to average for early June on Sunday and Monday. However, the relief from the heat will be short-lived, as temperatures are expected to climb back into the upper 80s to near 90 by the middle of next week. Stay safe and stay informed as severe weather continues to impact various parts of the country.