Overview
- The National Weather Service says the risk of severe storms will rise Tuesday through Thursday, with Wednesday currently forecast as the strongest day.
- Forecasters have issued a Level 2 of 5 severe threat stretching from the Great Lakes south into the I-95 corridor that includes New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Hartford.
- Damaging straight-line winds are the primary hazard, but meteorologists also warn of large hail, a few isolated tornadoes, and repeated heavy downpours that could produce urban flash flooding.
- Rain rates are expected to run about 1 to 2 inches per hour with localized bursts up to roughly 3 inches, raising the risk of flash flooding where storms train over the same spots and where runoff is rapid.
- Forecasts remain uncertain on exact storm timing and tracks, so officials urge residents and cities to prepare for power outages, downed trees, travel delays and rapid flood response over the multi-day event.