Damaging Hail and Tornadoes Target the Plains This Afternoon

The Plains and a portion of the mid-Atlantic are bracing for the threat of damaging hail and tornadoes on Thursday afternoon and evening. Read on for the details about this emerging threat.

Storms Coming to Life Across the Plains

Two separate areas of severe weather are coming together as the day progresses on Thursday. While the first pocket of storms will target the Plains, a secondary zone of severe weather impacts is setting up over the Plains.

The line of storms is developing as the intense July sunshine heats a widespread area of moisture. Forecasters are warning that storms are likely to form over areas where ripples circulating in the jet stream set up along a stalled frontal boundary. These storms are expected to be more intense than a typical summer downpour, ushering in the threat of large hail, gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes.

Over a dozen states in the Plains through the Mississippi Valley will be under the gun for widespread storms in the latter part of the day Thursday. The greatest threat of severe weather will set up over a zone from eastern Colorado and southwestern Nebraska to the east into western and central Kansas, southern Missouri, and over to southwestern Indiana. Wind speeds up to 85 mph are possible in this potential area of impact.

Where to Expect Stormy Conditions in the Mid-Atlantic

The second cluster of storms on Thursday is forecast to hit the mid-Atlantic region. The latest forecast models signal that the highest concentration of storms will train over portions of north-central and northeastern North Carolina, to the north into southeastern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey.

Cities under this umbrella of potentially stormy activity include some of the largest metro areas in the Interstate 95 corridor, such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Other communities that should be aware of the threat of storms this afternoon and evening include Morgantown, West Virginia; Dover, Delaware; and Richmond, Virginia. The primary weather threats associated with the mid-Atlantic weather maker are localized flash flooding and gusty winds.

Friday's storm threat will once again encompass the Plains and portions of the East Coast. Stay tuned for an update on where and when to expect storms to close out the work week.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.