Enhanced risk for severe storms, wind damage in Lehigh Valley on Sunday

The Lehigh Valley could see dangerous thunderstorms starting Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Most of Northampton County is under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms ; an enhanced risk means “numerous severe storms” are possible, according to the weather service. This is the first enhanced risk in the Lehigh Valley in 2024. The last enhanced risk in the area was Aug. 7, 2023.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service just after 11 a.m., which will end at 7 p.m.

“Our biggest concern with any storms today is straight-line winds,” said Sarah Johnson, the warning coordination meteorologist for NWS in Mount Holly, New Jersey. “We also have a concern with heavy rain, possibly leading to flooding.”

Johnson added that because of the fast speeds of the storms, there may be less of a widespread flooding threat compared to other hazards.

As of Sunday morning, Lehigh County is still under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. Northampton County was under a slight risk yesterday before it was elevated this morning.

“The biggest thing is that the risk for winds went up slightly just based on what we’re seeing right now with the current conditions,” Johnson said of the elevated severe conditions.

There is a 2% risk of tornadoes, up to a 30% chance of wind damage and a 5% chance of one-inch diameter hail during Sunday’s thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm threat comes just four days after severe thunderstorms pummeled the Lehigh Valley, causing more than 57,000 power outages.

“If people have any outdoor plans, just make sure that they have multiple ways to stay on top of the weather,” Johnson said. “Make sure they have ways to receive warnings and stay tuned with what the radar is looking like.”

Here is the extended weather forecast, per the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 15 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Independence Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

This story will be updated.