The weather outlook seems quite dynamic, especially for the eastern half of the United States. It appears that a significant storm system is moving through, bringing with it a host of severe weather threats including heavy rain, flash flooding, and high winds.
The central Gulf Coast is currently experiencing the most dangerous weather, with organized thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. This system is expected to track northeastward, affecting the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys by Thursday morning, and eventually reaching the Northeast by Thursday afternoon.
In terms of severe weather, the upper Ohio Valley seems to be at the highest risk, with a large Slight Risk area and a smaller Enhanced Risk area indicating the potential for tornadoes and damaging winds. Farther south, from the Mid-Atlantic down to northern Florida, there is also a threat for severe storms, with a Slight Risk area in place.
Additionally, there is a concern for excessive rainfall and resulting flash flooding across various regions, including parts of the central Gulf Coast, the Upper Ohio Valley, and the northern Mid-Atlantic. Metro areas such as Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia are all within the Slight Risk zone for flash flooding.
Gusty winds are expected across much of the eastern half of the U.S., particularly in the central Appalachians and parts of the Southeast, where Wind Advisories are in place. While the severe weather threat is expected to diminish by Friday, there is still a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall in parts of northern New Hampshire and western Maine.
Meanwhile, in the West, a tranquil weather pattern is expected to give way to showers and mountain snow in the Pacific Northwest by Thursday night. Unusually warm temperatures for mid-April are forecast for much of the Great Plains by Friday, while cooler than normal temperatures are expected in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast.