East Coast Braces for Severe Weather Threat

More than 80 million people on the East Coast are at risk for dangerous winds, flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes as a wicked weather system moves across the region. Thunderstorms have already caused localized torrential downpours and disrupted travel in parts of the central Appalachians and the Northeast. The storms are expected to intensify throughout the day, bringing destructive straight-line winds, hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes. The Washington, D.C. area is at a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms, which is very rare. Other cities that could be affected include Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Charleston, Knoxville, Huntsville, and Raleigh. The turbulent weather is expected to persist throughout the week, posing challenges for outdoor plans and travel. While the stormy weather should keep the intense heat at bay for now, the South is experiencing dangerously hot temperatures, with highs reaching the upper 90s to lower 100s and a heat index of 105 to 115 degrees.