Damaging Storms Sunday: Maryland to Massachusetts

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

July 7,2013; 4:13PM,EDT

 

 

 

 

Powerful thunderstorms are closing out this extended holiday weekend across the Northeast, creating hazards to residents and travelers.
Thunderstorms capable of unleashing downpours and damaging winds will continue to erupt on Sunday afternoon from Maryland to central Pennsylvania. The danger will spread to eastern Pennsylvania Sunday evening.
A few thunderstorms will also drop hail, while an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
A separate area of severe thunderstorms has also erupted across southern New England.
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The majority of the strongest thunderstorms should remain west of the I-95 cities of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City. Instead, the I-81 corridor will be targeted.
This includes the cities of Gettysburg, Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pa. Other cities in the threat zone through Sunday evening include Frederick, Md., and Allentown and Scranton, Pa., during the evening hours.
Downpours from the heaviest thunderstorms may not only trigger flash flooding, but will also create dangers for motorists by dramatically reducing visibility and setting the stage for vehicles traveling at highway speeds to hydroplane.

Drivers may be forced to find alternate routes if some roads become littered by trees and/or branches downed by the strong thunderstorm winds.
In addition to I-81, those planning to head home from their Independence Day destinations via I-70, I-76, I-83, I-84, I-99 and I-476 on Sunday afternoon and evening lie in the path of the violent thunderstorms.
Anyone enjoying last-minute holiday celebrations this Sunday should also keep an eye to the sky and seek shelter immediately if a storm-related warning is issued.
The same can be said as soon as thunder is heard; you are then close enough to get struck by lightning.
Two of the key ingredients for the drenching and damaging thunderstorms closing out this holiday weekend is the heat and humidity once again gripping the Northeast and sending temperatures soaring into the 90s along the I-95 corridor, northward to Portsmouth, N.H.
The heat will ease some on Monday, especially away from the I-95 corridor, but the air will still feel sticky to residents as higher humidity remains.