New York, NY – More than 41 million people from Philadelphia to Boston are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. Friday as powerful storms threaten the Northeast with damaging winds, isolated hail, and frequent lightning.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, clusters of strong thunderstorms are expected to intensify across Connecticut, northern Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, southeast New York, eastern Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and surrounding coastal waters this afternoon and evening. Wind gusts up to 70 mph are likely, with the greatest risks along major corridors including I-95, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Merritt Parkway.
Cities such as Metropolitan New York, Bridgeport, Providence, Scranton, and Atlantic City could see downed trees, scattered power outages, and hazardous travel conditions through tonight. Local schools and hospitals in the watch area—totaling over 10,000 and nearly 600 respectively—are urged to review emergency plans. Residents should secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during storms, and keep mobile devices charged.
This watch includes the most significant thunderstorm threat for the region so far this summer, reminiscent of late July outbreaks in previous years. Officials remind the public to stay weather-aware as storms can develop quickly, sometimes producing hail up to quarter size or even isolated tornadoes.
The thunderstorm watch is expected to expire by 9 p.m., but additional warnings and advisories may follow if storms remain intense.
