Severe Storms & Widespread Flash Flood Risks Rise Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York

Photo bystorm prediction center

A cold front is dropping southward into a very steamy tropical air mass. This is going to set off severe thunderstorms and there is elevated tornado risk. The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded their forecast by adding an enhanced risk for severe weather. Severe thunderstorm watches have already been issud for Pennsylvania and Southern Ohio. Additional watches will go up later today and this evening for areas to the east including New Jersey, Southeastern NY, New York City, Long Island, Southern New England, Maryland, and Delaware.

Photo byweather prediction center

In addition we have elevated risks for flash flooding in the areas from Pennsylvania to Southern New England with a "moderate" risk for flash flooding indicated for areas around the large urban centers including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC. These thunderstorms and flash flooding are not related to Tropical Storm Debby. Those rains continue to pound the Southeast US Coast from North Carolina to Southeast Georgia. "High Risk" is indicated here and that means there is a 70 to 100 percent chance for flash flooding in this area.

Photo byweather prediction center

For areas in the Northeast rainfall totals for the next 7 days include Tropical Storm Debby rains for later this week. a total of 7 to 10 inches of rain is forecast. Tonight's severe weather and thunderstorms will produce 2 to 4 inches of rain with locally higher amounts and that certainly will be enough to create flash flood issues.

The Carolains will see and additional 10 to 15 inches of rain over the next couple of days on top of the rain that has already fallen Monday when Debby made its move into Florida and is now about to move off the coast of South Carolina.