Gusty Cold Front to Pound East Coast

The East Coast will get a taste of storm action today while the north-central U.S. see yet another round.

A cold front that previously impacted the central U.S. on Wednesday will continue its powerful trek through the Eastern Seaboard today. An upper-level disturbance will pass through the Mid-Atlantic and bring strong winds aloft. With a warming temperature trend happening across the East, a moisture rich environment and a boatload of instability, severe thunderstorms are expected to develop.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this afternoon and evening. This includes Richmond, Va., Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Newark and Trenton, N.J. Destructive winds will be a concern as wind gusts exceeding 60 mph will be likely. Quarter-sized hail and tornadoes may also occur.

Central North Carolina northeast to Vermont and New Hampshire will also need to keep a watchful eye on the skies today. While not in the Enhanced Risk, a Slight Risk is still in play here. Wind gusts exceeding 60 mph will be possible in addition to isolated tornadoes and small hail.

The Eastern U.S. is not the only area to watch for severe weather today. The northern Plains too will still see even more thunderstorm action. While gusty winds will be possible, the main concern will be hail larger than quarters. In fact, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a Slight Risk for these threats, including Fargo, N.D., Fergus Falls and St. Cloud, Minn. and the northern portion of the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota.

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!"