Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued: What Areas Are at Risk and How to Stay Safe Today

Update: NOAA Issues Severe Thunderstorm Watch Across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has expanded a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that now stretches from central Virginia through the I-95 corridor and into southern New England. The alert is in effect through 9 p.m. EDT and covers more than 40 million residents, including the metro areas of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Trenton, and New York City. What to Expect This Afternoon and Evening • Timing: Storms will fire along a sharp cold front after 2 p.m., peaking during the evening commute. • Hazards: Damaging straight-line winds up to 70 mph, quarter- to golf-ball-size hail, torrential rain capable of producing localized flash flooding, and a few brief tornadoes. • Hot and humid setup: Surface temperatures in the low 90s coupled with dew points in the mid-70s are producing extreme instability and lifting indices below –8, a classic recipe for severe convection. Regions at Highest Risk 1. I-95 Urban Corridor – From Richmond to Boston, the strongest cells will ride the interstate, threatening densely populated areas with power outages and hazardous travel. 2. Delmarva Peninsula – Sea-breeze boundaries may enhance rotation, heightening the tornado threat. 3. Interior Appalachians – Upslope flow could spark isolated supercells over higher terrain before merging into a squall line east of the mountains. Travel & Commuter Impacts • Air: Ground stops are possible at BWI, PHL, EWR, and LGA; check airline apps for real-time delays. • Roads: Expect sudden low visibility, ponding on interstates 95, 295, and 495, and fallen tree limbs blocking secondary roads. • Rail: Amtrak and regional commuter lines may impose speed restrictions for wind and debris. Essential Safety Tips • Shelter immediately when thunder roars; the safest place is a sturdy building, not a porch or carport. • Stay away from windows; straight-line winds can shatter glass and send projectiles indoors. • Charge phones now; widespread outages are likely. • Avoid driving through flooded roadways—six inches of moving water can stall most cars, and one foot can float a vehicle. • Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and patio umbrellas to prevent them from becoming airborne. Lightning & Outdoor Events Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the storm core. Organizers of sports camps, concerts, and Juneteenth celebrations across the Mid-Atlantic are urged to monitor radar and have evacuation plans ready. What Happens Next? The Storm Prediction Center signals that once the cold front clears the coastline overnight, oppressive heat will rebuild by Friday, bringing a multi-day heat wave into early next week. Residents should prepare now for continued weather hazards beyond today. Stay Informed • NOAA Weather Radio – continuous updates and automatic alerts. • Local TV and radio stations – location-specific warnings. • Reliable apps – enable wireless emergency alerts (WEA) for polygon-based notifications. Bottom Line With a potent mix of tropical humidity, searing heat, and an advancing cold front, today’s Severe Thunderstorm Watch signals a high-impact weather day. Take shelter when warnings are issued and have multiple ways to receive urgent updates as storms roll eastward this evening.