Dangerous storms to rumble across Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic into Sunday evening
During a tornado warning in Washington D.C. on May 23, rain poured and wind lashed, causing minor flooding in the streets.
In addition to disrupting outdoor activities over the holiday weekend, thunderstorms will continue to bring lightning dangers and the risk of damage across the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic into Sunday evening.
After storms with hail and damaging winds focused primarily across the eastern Great Lakes on Saturday, the severe weather dangers are spreading southward on Sunday.
Residents and visitors from the Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic will need to keep an eye to the sky while cooking out, swimming, hiking or attending parades and memorial ceremonies.
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Storm clouds rolling into the Washington, D.C., area on Thursday afternoon. (Twitter/@whichthat)
Areas from West Virginia to eastern Kentucky and northern Virginia and Maryland will be at the greatest risk for storms to turn severe.
Damaging winds and downpours will remain the most common characteristics of the storms.
There can be isolated incidents of hail, and a brief tornado or two spinning up cannot be ruled out.
Anyone partaking in outdoor activities are reminded to seek shelter immediately after the first clap of thunder is heard to avoid being struck by lightning.
Motorists who encounter the storms on the roadways can anticipate reduced visibility from the downpours and blowing from vehicles, in addition to a heightened risk of hydroplaning while traveling at highway speeds.
These poor driving conditions may be experienced at times on stretches of interstates 64, 65, 70, 75, 79, 81 and 95.
"In the wake of Sunday's thunderstorms, the majority of the Northeast will welcome a sweep of drier air for Memorial Day," according to Pydynowski. "The day will be perfect for holiday picnics, parades and memorial ceremonies from Philadelphia and points northward. No weather-related travel issues are anticipated."
A stray shower or thunderstorm may dot Virginia, south of Washington, D.C., but most of the day will be dry.
"Much to the dismay to those with sporting events, construction jobs or field work, Monday's nice weather in the Northeast will not last long," Pydynowski said.
"Rain and thunderstorms spoiling Memorial Day in the Midwest will spread back into the Northeast on Tuesday with a risk of locally severe thunderstorms along the southern fringe of the wet weather."
The rain, however, may stop short of dampening Maine on Tuesday.
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