Fall-like weather will be ushered into the Eastern U.S. today thanks to a powerful cold front. However, strong to severe weather could accompany the cold front.
A potent low pressure system will move from the Great Lakes into southeastern Canada today, which will drag a cold front through the Eastern U.S. An unseasonably mild and humid air mass will be found ahead of the cold front, while colder and drier air filters in behind the front. This collision of air masses will be the catalyst for gusty rain showers and thunderstorms throughout today and tonight.
There are currently two areas that have the best chance of gusty rain showers and thunderstorms. The first is settled over parts of the central Gulf Coast, while the other extends from the central Appalachians into the Mid-Atlantic. Timing for any gusty rain showers and thunderstorms would be the evening and overnight for the central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic.
These areas will generally be at risk for wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph within rain showers and thunderstorms. Widely scattered to scattered higher wind gusts of 50 to mph are possible. An isolated brief tornado also cannot be ruled out from the northern Mid-Atlantic into parts of southern New England.
A new low pressure system could form along this cold front on Monday as it continues to advance east. Areas that will still be impacted by this cold front to start the week include the Northeast as well as central and southern Florida. Slow-moving, repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rain will be the main concern across the Northeast. Localized flooding could develop in spots. Meanwhile, rain and thunderstorms could soak spots across most of the Florida Peninsula.
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!”
