Pesky Cold Front Delivering Plenty of Severe Storms

A line of strong thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening with a primary focus over portions of the Midwest and Mississippi Valley.

A pesky cold front along with an upper-level disturbance will be the main drivers for today’s severe weather threat in the central U.S. A humid, soupy environment will continue to hold down the fort and temperatures will remain warm, leading to an abundance daytime heating. With strong instability and brisk winds aloft, all the ingredients are in place for severe thunderstorms 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 Midwest and Mississippi Valley. This includes Lansing, Mich., Toledo and Dayton, Ohio, all of Indiana, Louisville and Paducah, Ky., Champaign and Mount Vernon, Ill. and Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff, Mo. A few tornadoes with a couple being significant (EF2+) is possible. Destructive winds will be a concern as wind gusts exceeding 60 mph will be likely. Hail larger than a quarter will be likely in any established storms. Additional severe thunderstorms may stretch from central Texas northeast to northern Michigan and western Pennsylvania.

A Tornado Watch has been issued for eastern Missouri, and southern to central Illinois. This includes St. Louis, Quincy, Ill., Springfield, Ill., and Peoria, Ill. A few tornadoes and hail larger than 2 inches are possible across the watch area. A low chance for a significant tornado or two has been included in this watch.

A Tornado Watch has been issued for northeastern Illinois, Indiana, and southwestern lower Michigan. This includes Indianapolis, South Bend and Lafayette, Ind. A few tornadoes with a couple being significant (EF2+) is possible. Damaging wind gusts and hail larger than an inch are other threats included.

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded to a Slight Risk in the Mid-Atlantic including cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philidelphia. Storms will likely fire in the afternoon and evening with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and flash flooding being the main threats.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for northeastern Virginia, Maryland, Deleware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. This includes Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philidelphia. Flash flooding and damaging wind gusts are the primary concerns with this watch.

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!"