Severe Storms Threaten 50 Million People from Ohio to Northeast

More than 50 million people across the Midwest and Northeast face a level-two out of five severe weather risk on Saturday afternoon. The threat zone stretches from east-central Ohio through Pennsylvania and into New England, including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, Albany, and Hartford.

Damaging wind gusts are the primary hazard, with isolated large hail and frequent lightning also possible. Severe thunderstorm watches are active across portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, covering Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Hagerstown, and Martinsburg.

Scattered severe storms are already moving through east-central Ohio, where downed trees have been reported. A line of storms passed just south of Pittsburgh during the afternoon. Additional watches may be issued as the system continues east. Storms are expected to reach the Interstate 95 corridor between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET before the threat diminishes later in the evening.

Any slow-moving storms could produce heavy rain and localized flash flooding. Flood watches remain in effect from north Texas to southwest Missouri, including Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Springfield. On Sunday, severe storms with damaging winds and large hail are possible across parts of the northern Plains.

Temperatures across the Northeast will fall closer to seasonal averages Sunday and Monday before rising again by midweek.