Nearly 200,000 Lost Power. Now the Storms Are Heading South.

The parade of storms that has been marching across the central and eastern U.S. is going to drift to the south this weekend, potentially causing disruptions to outdoor activities over the holiday weekend. Read on for a closer look at what to expect as the storm train rolls along.

Core of Storms Moving into the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast

A potent line of storms packing high winds and the threat of flash flooding will make a move to the south this weekend, taking aim at the southeastern U.S. This same volatile weather pattern has been responsible for the storms that roared through the Great Lakes, the Appalachians, and the mid-Atlantic on Wednesday.

These storm cells unleashed winds strong enough to bring down trees and power lines. Nearly 200,000 people woke up in the dark on Thursday morning thanks to the widespread power outages.

Friday's forecast is calling for the severe storms to dissipate across the Midwest and the Northeast. Instead, the storms will shift to the south and into Ohio, the Appalachians, and the mid-Atlantic. The greatest concentration of storms will impact portions of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and North Carolina. The far southwestern corner of Pennsylvania may also still see some lingering storms.

Cities that should prepare for a fiery end to the work week include Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington, D.C, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Raleigh.

Storm Saturday in the Southeast

College football fans may be dodging storms on Saturday as the inclement conditions move farther south, taking over the Carolinas and southern Virginia. The abundance of moisture in the atmosphere will raise the risk of flash flooding and damaging winds. North Carolina cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington will be at the heart of Saturday's action.

By Sunday, the worst of the severe weather will train over South Carolina, Georgia, eastern portions of Alabama, and the northern edge of Florida. The impact zone for Sunday's storms includes Atlanta, Montgomery, Savannah, and Charleston.

Looking ahead to Labor Day, northern and central Florida will be under the gun for gusty thunderstorms as tropical moisture flows across the peninsula. Forecasters are warning beachgoers and boaters to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. You do not want to be caught out in the water if a storm rolls through.

The heat dome that will send temperatures soaring across the south-central U.S. is driving the storms to the east. A mass of exceptionally humid air around the edges of this area of high pressure is supporting the development of these thunderstorms and heavy rain showers.

The cooler and less humid air dipping down from Canada will at least deliver relief to the Great Lakes and the Northeast after a rough start to the month of September.

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