Gusty Storms Head To The East Coast Tuesday

Numerous thunderstorms are expected to form ahead of a cold front on Tuesday, impacting much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

An upper-level disturbance and its cold front will trigger pockets of storms from the Ohio Valley to far northern Texas today, but these storms will be mostly unorganized, with just isolated areas of severe gusts possible. The front will become a bit better defined as it accelerates eastward across the Appalachians and into the East Coast late Tuesday.

Winds aloft will be somewhat weak, limiting the overall strength and organization of storms on Tuesday. However, the combination of the cold front and the upper-level trough will help generate numerous thunderstorms from New England to the Carolinas. Some of these storms could form large clusters or line segments that will be capable of producing gusty winds.

The Storm Prediction Center has issed a Slight Risk, or a level 2 out of 5, for the I-95 corridor from just west of New York City southward to Washington, D.C. and Fredericksburg, Va. While this region has the best chance for inclement weather, more isolated severe storms could develop as far north as southern Maine and as far south as the Carolinas.

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!"