Locally severe thunderstorms to kick off July across northeastern US

By Brett Rathbun, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

July 1,2016; 8:35PM,EDT

 

 

A storm pushing across the northeastern United States could pack a punch from Washington D.C., to New York City and northward into Friday night.
Warm, moist air will be fuel for thunderstorms to turn volatile during the afternoon hours from central New York state and western New England to northern Virginia. Some strong storms could develop as far north as southern Ontario, including Montreal.
Anyone traveling along interstates 70, 76, 78, 80, 81, 87, 88, 90, 91 or 95 may encounter slow travel from passing thunderstorms during the afternoon commute.

"These storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts along with hail and flooding downpours," AccuWeather Meteorologist Steve Travis said.
A couple of the strongest storms could produce a brief tornado.
Anyone outdoors should keep an eye to the sky and seek shelter should a storm approach. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Wet roads could be extra slick due to the recent dry weather and oil buildup from vehicles. People should consider slowing down in any heavy downpour to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
Use ​AccuWeather Minutecast® to get a minute-by-minute precipitation forecast for your area.
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Storms will approach eastern New England, including Boston, in a weakening stage later Friday night.
These storms could prove beneficial given about two-thirds of the nation is at least abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The passage of this storm by Saturday will open the door for a beautiful July Fourth weekend.