Dangerous Thunderstorms Eye Great Lakes to New England

A few powerful thunderstorm complexes could pepper the Upper Great Lakes into parts of central and southern New England through the end of the weekend. Damaging wind gusts and large hail will be the primary concerns.

Large and strong high pressure will intensify over the Mississippi Valley, while a disturbance aloft will roll along its northern fringe from the Great Lakes to New England through Sunday morning. A clash of hot, very humid to its south from cooler, drier air farther north, will lead to plenty of thunderstorm development during this time.

Fingers of intense thunderstorms containing gusty winds and hail larger than quarter-size will remain possible across the Upper Great Lakes. An isolated tornado is possible. Cities such as Traverse City, Mich., and Marquette, Mich., eastern and southern suburbs could have the best opportunity at a dangerous storm encounter.

A complex of thunderstorms, which a few may be robust, will likely slide across eastern Canada into Upstate and eastern New York to parts of central and southern New England tonight into early Sunday morning. The best opportunity for isolated gusty winds of 45 to 55 mph and hail up to quarter-size would be in Upstate New York, including Watertown, Rome, Utica, and Oswego.

Albany to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Hartford, Conn., to Springfield, Mo., will need to keep a watchful eye to sky for threatening weather also on Sunday morning. Brief gusts up to 45 to 50 mph and small hail will be possible in the more intense thunderstorms.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"