Buffalo, New York – Residents from Ohio to New York and south through the Mid-Atlantic should prepare for rapidly changing weather Saturday as a powerful cold front triggers widespread thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, isolated tornadoes, large hail and flash flooding. The greatest impacts are expected from the afternoon into the evening, when storms could quickly disrupt travel, knock down trees and power lines, and create dangerous driving conditions across major highways.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, the primary hazard will be widespread damaging winds stretching from the Lower Great Lakes into the Mid-Atlantic. An Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) covers parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and surrounding areas, while isolated tornadoes are possible, especially across portions of the northern Mid-Atlantic. Large hail may also accompany the strongest storms.
The Weather Prediction Center is also highlighting a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall along the heavily traveled I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C., through Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and into Boston. Forecast rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts where storms repeatedly move over the same locations, could lead to scattered flash flooding in urban areas and on low-lying roads.
Cities including Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., could all experience strong thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. Motorists should anticipate sudden reductions in visibility, ponding water on roadways and possible delays along Interstates 70, 76, 79, 80, 81, 90, 95 and other major travel routes.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and move indoors immediately if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued. Never drive across flooded roads, as water depth and roadway damage may not be visible.
The threat is expected to diminish after the cold front moves through later Saturday night, but additional watches and warnings may be issued throughout the day as storms develop. Stay alert for rapidly changing conditions and monitor updates from the National Weather Service.
