SEVERE STORMS IN THE SMOKE AREA

Severe Weather Discussion

A widespread severe weather outbreak is expected today from southern Ontario through the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Northeast, Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic states as a strong cold front moves eastward.

Thunderstorms developing along and ahead of the front will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, torrential rainfall, and isolated tornadoes. The greatest overall threat is expected to be damaging straight-line winds, although conditions may also support a few rotating thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

One area to watch closely will be the Hudson Valley into portions of New England, where atmospheric conditions may become favorable for stronger rotating storms. While the exact location of any tornadoes cannot be determined in advance, a few supercells or embedded circulations within larger storm clusters could produce isolated tornadoes in addition to large hail and damaging winds.

Another unusual aspect of today's event will be the presence of widespread wildfire smoke across parts of southern Ontario, the Great Lakes, and the Northeast. Thick smoke may continue to reduce visibility and create poor air quality before the storms arrive. As thunderstorms move through, their strong winds and heavy rainfall may temporarily disperse or redistribute the smoke, causing rapidly changing visibility and air quality. The exact interaction between the smoke and individual thunderstorms is difficult to predict, but the smoke could make for hazy skies and reduced visibility before and during the event.

Overall, today's primary hazards will be damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and locally heavy rainfall from southern Ontario through the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Residents should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and be prepared to act quickly if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued.