Dangerous Storms Target the Plains, Northeast

Summer is in full swing, and a large swath of the Plains will be at risk for severe weather today. Gusty rain and thunderstorms could also blast through parts of the Northeast.

A low pressure system will be settled over the northern Plains today, while a nearly stationary front is draped from the north-central Plains into the Rocky Mountains. This low pressure and stationary front separates hot, humid air to the south and east from colder, drier air filtering from the north and west. The collision of air masses will be where thunderstorms bubble up throughout the day.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather from the north-central U.S. into the central and southern High Plains. This includes Grand Forks and Bismarck, N.D., Duluth, Minn., Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, S.D., Valentine and Norfolk, Neb., and Colby and Garden City, Kan. The greatest concerns within thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts exceeding 50 to 60 mph and large to very large hail. However, a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

At the same time, an upper-level weather disturbance will drop south over New York and New England this morning. A complex of rain and thunderstorms has already developed and will move northwest-to-southeast across the Northeast. A Slight Risk is also in place across parts of the Northeast, and includes Binghamton, N.Y., and Scranton, Pa. Within thunderstorms here, wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph or higher and quarter-size hail will be possible.

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!"