MASSIVE OUTBREAK

Severe Weather Discussion

A significant round of severe thunderstorms is expected to develop today across the western Great Lakes. The strongest storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, torrential rainfall, and a few tornadoes as they organize during the afternoon and evening.

As the storm system progresses eastward, clusters and lines of thunderstorms are expected to cascade southeast through southern Canada, the Great Lakes, and eventually into the Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic on tomorrow. Another round of severe weather is anticipated across these regions, with damaging straight-line winds expected to be the primary hazard. Large hail, isolated tornadoes, and locally heavy rainfall will also be possible with the strongest storms.

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms may affect some areas over the next two days, increasing the potential for localized flooding where heavy rain repeatedly tracks over the same locations.

Farther south, scattered severe thunderstorms are also possible across portions of North Carolina today. These storms may produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and brief torrential downpours.

Along the Gulf Coast, showers and thunderstorms are expected from Louisiana eastward into the Florida Panhandle as moisture associated with Tropical Storm Bertha spreads inland. These storms may produce periods of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and localized flooding, even well away from the center of the tropical system.

Overall, the greatest severe weather threat through the next 48 hours will extend from the western Great Lakes into the Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic, where repeated rounds of thunderstorms may bring damaging winds, hail, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rainfall.