Get live updates on Tuesday’s storms here.
If you thought yesterday’s storms were intense, you’ll want to pay close attention to what’s brewing this afternoon and evening. Another potentially dangerous round of severe thunderstorms could impact your evening commute and any outdoor plans.
What happened yesterday
Monday brought dangerous weather to much of our area, with severe thunderstorms and heavy rain leading to flash flooding by late afternoon and evening. The combination of oppressive heat and humidity created ideal conditions for explosive storm development. The high reached 94° just before storms erupted, factoring in the humidity, it felt like 105°
Thunderstorms then rolled through the night, bringing torrential downpours, damaging winds, and localized flooding. By morning, residents were waking up to downed tree limbs, standing water, and scattered power outages.
Today’s developing threat
Unfortunately, we’re not getting much of a break. A First Alert has been issued for today from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Storms this afternoon and evening will be capable of producing flooding downpours and damaging winds.
It’s already very muggy, and as a cold front approaches from the west, conditions will quickly turn stormy.
The setup is similar to Monday’s, warm, humid air will fuel storm development in a very unstable atmosphere.
The incoming front will act as the trigger, likely setting off storms during the afternoon and into the evening commute.
Two main threats: Flash flooding and damaging winds
We’re most concerned about flash flooding and damaging winds.
Flash Flooding: Rainfall totals of 1–3 inches are expected, with localized amounts up to 4 inches possible. That’s on top of yesterday’s heavy rainfall, so the ground is already saturated, which is raising the flood risk for streams, creeks, and flood-prone roadways. Flash flooding can develop in minutes, turning roads into rivers. Never drive through flooded roads.
Damaging Winds: Storms could produce wind gusts over 60 mph, strong enough to down trees, snap branches, and damage power lines or buildings. Trees already weakened by Monday’s storms and loose, saturated soil are especially vulnerable to being uprooted.
How to Stay Safe
Avoid flooded roads: Just 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet, and 12 inches can carry away a car.
Have a backup plan: If you have evening outdoor plans, be ready to move inside quickly.
Watch for basement hazards: If you have standing water from yesterday’s storms, use extreme caution. Don’t walk through flooded areas where outlets or appliances may be submerged.
Looking Ahead
There’s good news, relief is on the way! Showers may linger into tomorrow morning, but by afternoon, skies will turn partly sunny and humidity will begin to drop.
Even better? The weather looks ideal for the Fourth of July… sunny, warm, and less humid. Perfect for parades, fireworks, and barbecues.
Bottom Line
Severe weather can escalate quickly during these summer months. What starts as a passing shower can rapidly evolve into a dangerous storm. Be weather aware, stay safe, and make sure you’ve downloaded the NBC10 app to get alerts based on your location.