Detroit, Michigan — Another round of unsettled weather is set to spread across large portions of the United States, with severe thunderstorms, flooding rain, hail and damaging winds threatening communities from the Plains to the Northeast through the start of next week.
The latest storm setup comes only days after a powerful complex of thunderstorms produced tornadoes from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, leaving forecasters watching another developing threat across the eastern half of the country.
Heavy Rain Threat Grows Across the East
A major concern will be the amount of moisture moving into the East.
Southerly winds are expected to transport abundant Atlantic moisture northward, creating conditions favorable for repeated downpours and thunderstorms.
The greatest flooding risk is expected roughly along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor, extending from eastern North Carolina through New Jersey and into southeastern Massachusetts.
That region could be particularly vulnerable because parts of the area have already experienced a wet August.
“Since August has been wet and the soil is already saturated in some areas, additional showers and storms can easily produce run-off into poor drainage areas and lower-lying spots. Heavy rainfall rates can also lead to standing water on some roads,” meteorologists said.
With saturated ground unable to absorb as much additional rainfall, even relatively short periods of intense rain could create rapid runoff, ponding and localized flooding.
Ohio Valley and Northeast Face Saturday Storms
Saturday is expected to bring the most notable severe weather threat to parts of the Ohio Valley and Northeast.
Strong to severe thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon and continue into the evening, with the primary threats including flooding downpours, hail and damaging wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph.
Cities including Detroit, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are among the communities that could see strong storms.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop across eastern Michigan and western Ohio during the afternoon before moving east toward the Appalachian region during the evening.
The storms could bring frequent lightning, heavy rain, hail and powerful wind gusts, potentially disrupting outdoor plans and creating difficult driving conditions.
Great Lakes Could See Hail and Gusty Winds
Farther north and west, showers and thunderstorms are expected across much of the Great Lakes.
While many storms may remain below severe levels, forecasters warn that some stronger cells could produce small hail and gusty winds.
Another potential hazard will be waterspouts over the lakes, adding an additional concern for boaters and people spending time near the water.
As storms move through, rapidly changing weather conditions could make outdoor activities more difficult, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.
Northeast Storms Continue Into Sunday
The storm system is expected to push farther east on Sunday, bringing thunderstorms to much of the Northeast.
The severe weather threat should be less widespread than Saturday, but stronger thunderstorms could still produce gusty winds and small hail.
Parts of the Great Lakes region could also see a few lake-effect rain showers as cooler air moves across the area. Behind the storm system, cooler and less humid air is expected to spread southward Saturday afternoon and evening.
Drier conditions should then settle across much of the region as the new week begins, providing a temporary break from the unsettled pattern.
Great Plains Face Another Storm Threat Monday
The threat won’t end with the weekend.
Additional rounds of thunderstorms are expected across northern portions of the Great Plains on Monday, with localized damaging winds and hail expected to be the main hazards.
Heavy downpours could also develop, while strong winds and thunderstorms may create travel disruptions during the Monday evening commute.
The repeated rounds of storms mean residents across several regions could face multiple days of changing weather conditions.
Anyone traveling or planning outdoor activities should keep a close eye on updated forecasts, particularly in areas where flooding, severe thunderstorms or damaging winds are expected.
Are you expecting severe weather or heavy rain in your area this weekend? Share your location and weather conditions in the comments below.