Severe Weather Threat Moves to Eastern U.S.
Meteorologists are predicting thunderstorms and possible tornadoes from Central Florida to western Pennsylvania on Sunday. This follows a series of destructive storms that have already impacted the Midwest and South, resulting in at least 36 fatalities. The weather system, which has caused significant damage, is expected to bring severe conditions to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.
The storm system has been responsible for producing large hail and tornadoes over the past few days, leading to at least 23 deaths. Additionally, it has fueled wildfires and dust storms, causing fatal accidents in Kansas, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle.
On Sunday, the severe weather threat is expected to lessen in the South but will move eastward. There is a slight chance of severe storms and tornadoes from Central Florida to western Pennsylvania, with a more pronounced risk in parts of Pennsylvania.
Rich Otto, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, noted that while the intensity and number of storms might decrease, there remains a risk of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Mississippi and Alabama, which faced high tornado risks on Saturday, are expected to experience calmer weather on Sunday.
The storm system that affected Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Tennessee on Saturday is anticipated to shift into northern Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of North Carolina by Sunday morning, bringing strong winds and a slight tornado risk.
By late afternoon, these conditions are expected to impact areas from Virginia to central North Carolina and extend into northern and possibly Central Florida. The primary concern for the Mid-Atlantic, from Virginia to New Jersey, is strong winds, with a chance of brief tornadoes.
Rainfall on Sunday is forecasted to be heaviest along the East Coast, from South Carolina to Massachusetts, with potential totals of one to two inches. Some areas, particularly in eastern Virginia and North Carolina, could see up to five inches. New York City might receive one to two inches of rain, depending on storm paths.
The storm system is expected to move out to sea by Monday. According to Otto, there should be a temporary break from severe weather for several days, but the pattern suggests more storms could occur before the end of March. He cautioned that this might not be the last time severe thunderstorms are discussed in the coming weeks.