Dangerous Storms in the East
Heavy Rains and Flash Flooding

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – July 23, 2008 – AccuWeather.com reports an unusual pattern for July will spark potentially dangerous storms and the possibility of tornadoes along the East Coast through Thursday.

Dangerous flooding could occur tonight and Thursday across the Northeast from heavy rainfall through the day. Severe thunderstorms will erupt this afternoon ahead of a slowly moving cold front crossing the Northeast. The strongest thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging winds and hail.

The AccuWeather.com Severe Weather Center reports that strong storms will develop ahead of a cold front moving through the East today. The storms will be fueled by the inflow of abundant moisture from the Southwest and the Atlantic Ocean and daytime heating that will add instability to the atmosphere.

The strongest storms will produce heavy rain, large hail and damaging winds, while the potential for tornado development cannot be ruled out. Storm and flash flood watches and warnings are currently in effect from Chesapeake Bay to northern New England.

By tonight, the strong storms will move over the Interstate 95 corridor, creating the potential for travel delays on roads and at the major airports from New York City to Washington, D.C.

As much as 4 inches of rain is possible by Thursday morning, with locally higher amounts. The heavy rain will lead to flash flooding, especially in low lying and urban areas.

On Thursday, the heavy rain will continue from the New York City area to eastern New England, while drier air moves into the rest of the East behind the front.