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Severe storms are set to impact millions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic today (Friday, June 12). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center has issued a level two out of five risk for severe thunderstorms in parts of the region, including major cities like Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and New York City. The primary threats include damaging wind gusts and hail.
On Thursday, damaging wind gusts were reported across parts of New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, leaving over 60,000 customers in Western Pennsylvania without power. According to FOX Weather, the storm system has already caused significant power outages, with more than 35,000 outages in Pennsylvania alone.
A second round of storms is expected to hit the region on Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Washington D.C. through midnight, with potential wind gusts reaching 60 mph. This has prompted warnings of possible tree damage, power outages, and road closures. FOX 29 reports that the Philadelphia region is also under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch from 4:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, with similar threats of damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes.
Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential severe weather conditions. Emergency management officials recommend having multiple ways to receive weather alerts and being ready to take shelter if necessary. As the storms develop, localized flooding could occur, particularly in urban areas with poor drainage.