A big severe weather day is unfolding across the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine, with the whole spectrum of severe weather expected -- hail larger than golf balls (2.00" in diameter), damaging winds up to and over 75 MPH, a few tornadoes, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning.
The derecho I mentioned yesterday actually did play out, but it's not as strong as it could have been. It has produced about 250 miles of wind damage from northwestern Indiana to southwestern Ohio, which classifies it as a derecho. The complex continues to produce moderate damage and severe winds of 60-70 MPH across parts of eastern Kentucky right now. The derecho is moving south-southeast and will continue through the southern Appalachian Mountains and eastern Kentucky this afternoon.
The derecho should have a hard time staying together as it rolls through the mountains because it's moving into somewhat more stable air, and the higher terrain challenges storm systems anyway. I'm keeping an eye on the western edge of the line, since the line is starting to build westward into untainted unstable air. If this trend continues and the winds pick up, cities along I-75 from Lexington to Knoxville will get in on the severe straight line winds.
Meanwhile, two areas along the eastern states -- one from PA to NC, and another in a chunk of eastern New England -- is under the gun for their own exciting weather this afternoon. The biggest risks from PA to NC include hail larger than golf balls (2.00"), damaging winds of 75+ MPH, a few tornadoes, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. The SPC issued a watch for the counties shaded in blue until 800PM EDT:
A new severe t'storm watch may be issued farther to the south, including much of southern/western NC (including Charlotte), and parts of upstate South Carolina:
The SPC is also thinking about issuing a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of coastal New England (Boston and Portland ME included) for the threat of quarter inch hail in any stronger storms that develop. It won't be too bad, but quarter sized hail could do some windshield damage if it hits the right way, and it would definitely hurt if you're outside in it.
Since the weather is so widespread today, and there's not going to be a focused outbreak, I'm not going to liveblog the severe weather here on DailyKos. However, you can follow me on
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Twitter, where I'll post updates throughout the day.
Be sure to follow your local news and NWS offices for the latest on what's going on around you, and stay safe.
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Wunderground's Detailed Radar (click the + nearest to you to see your local radar)
NOAA Weather Models
TwisterData.com's excellent GFS/NAM/RAP model website.
iMapWeather Radio App for iPhone/iPod Touch (costs $9.99 but well worth it)