Afternoon Hail, Gusty Thunderstorm Threat from D.C. To New York

Mar 13, 2012; 5:37 AM ET

Lightning streaks across the night sky. Courtesy of Photos.com

Thunderstorms, some containing hail and gusty winds, are expected to rumble in parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast this afternoon.

The I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C. to New York City has the best chance of experiencing some severe thunderstorms.

While AccuWeather.com meteorologists do not expect a widespread severe outbreak, a few storms could produce hail over an inch in diameter and gusty winds.

As with typical thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and dangerous lightning will also occur. Seek shelter if you are outdoors and hear thunder.

The main time frame for these storms to occur would be between 4 and 9 P.M.

Although the day will begin with a few early morning showers along the immediate East Coast, the majority of the day will feature a mixture of sun and clouds and very mild temperatures.

The record-breaking temperatures will help set the stage for afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

A cool front passing through the region will act the trigger for thunderstorms along the I-95 corridor late this afternoon. By late evening, the storms are expected to push offshore, ending any severe threat.

Elsewhere across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, springtime showers will dampen parts of the day.

The only part of the area that will experience a rather dreary day will be northern New England. Periods of rain are expected in this region with an icy mix and some snow in far northern Maine where temperatures are coldest.

In the Southeast, warm and humid conditions will aid in the development of thunderstorms. Despite putting a damper on the day, they will provide beneficial rain for parched areas.

 

Afternoon Hail, Gusty Thunderstorm Threat from D.C. To New York