Millions of people across the eastern United States are being urged to prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe weather, with forecasters warning of tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and fast-rising floodwaters.
The severe storm threat extends from Kentucky and western Pennsylvania into the heavily traveled Interstate 95 corridor, putting major cities including Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City within the area facing the most concerning tornado potential.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the corridor is under a five percent tornado risk, which means there is a five percent chance that a tornado could touch down within 25 miles of any specific point in the highlighted zone.
Forecasters expect the threat to begin ramping up late Tuesday morning and continue through the afternoon, with strong to severe thunderstorms likely to persist into the evening and overnight hours.
An Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms — Level 3 on the Storm Prediction Center’s five-level scale — covers Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lexington, Youngstown and Harrisburg. New York City is included in the wider Slight Risk zone.
While isolated tornadoes and large hail cannot be ruled out, the greatest concern is widespread wind damage. In some areas, forecasters say there is up to a 45 percent chance of destructive gusts occurring within 25 miles.
Heavy downpours may add another layer of danger, raising the risk of flash flooding on roads, city streets and in low-lying neighborhoods, especially in places hit by multiple rounds of storms.
NYC Emergency Management cautioned residents on X: “Another round of severe weather is expected tomorrow, with heavy rain that could lead to flooding. Conditions may be similar to what we experienced this past Saturday, so now is the time to prepare.”
The danger stretches from Kentucky and western Pennsylvania to the densely populated Interstate 95 corridor, placing Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City inside the highest tornado-risk zone currently forecast
Up to four inches of rain fell across parts of New York City and New Jersey by early Saturday afternoon, flooding roads and neighborhoods.
Officials have warned that similar conditions could return Tuesday and urged residents in vulnerable areas to prepare flood barriers, sandbags or alarms.
‘Never drive or walk through flooded streets,’ NYC Emergency Management said.
‘If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to move to higher ground immediately if flooding develops. Do not wait.’
The latest threat will be driven by a cold front colliding with warm, humid air across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Forecasters expect clusters of severe thunderstorms and embedded supercells to develop by Tuesday afternoon. These rotating storms can produce tornadoes, large hail and destructive winds.
Western New York and eastern Pennsylvania face the greatest potential for embedded supercells, with possibly a couple of tornadoes.
Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia are under an Enhanced Risk, Level 3 of five, while New York City remains under a Slight Risk, Level 2.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a five percent tornado risk across the corridor, meaning there is a five percent probability of a tornado occurring within 25 miles of any given location
Damaging straight-line winds will be the main threat, with organized storm clusters capable of toppling trees, bringing down power lines and damaging buildings.
‘Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected across a broad region from the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Tuesday,’ the SPC said, warning that ‘swaths of damaging wind gusts’ could strike from the afternoon into the night.
Heavy rain will add to the danger. The Weather Prediction Center has placed portions of the upper Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic under a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall through early Wednesday.
Parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast face a 20 to 40 percent probability of receiving more than one inch of rain, although totals will vary considerably.
Most storms should move quickly, but repeated downpours over the same communities could overwhelm drains and trigger flash flooding from the Appalachians to the Interstate 95 corridor.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts and enable emergency alerts. Anyone placed under a tornado warning should immediately seek shelter in a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
