After days of active spring weather, our region will get a brief break today before another round of potentially dangerous weather arrives Friday.
The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk — level 3 out of 5 — for severe storms across much of the area Friday afternoon into Friday night as a strong cold front approaches.
Forecasters say the primary threats with Friday’s storms will be damaging straight-line winds and isolated tornadoes. In addition, there is a Slight Risk — level 2 out of 4 — for localized flash flooding, especially in areas that have already received significant rainfall.
Storm timing is expected to unfold in stages. By mid to late Friday afternoon, isolated to scattered severe storms could develop ahead of the main cold front, although confidence in how widespread those early storms will be remains low.
The greatest concern is expected during the evening into early nighttime hours, when a more organized line of storms — possibly a squall line — is forecast to move through the region, bringing the highest potential for severe weather.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, review severe weather safety plans, and make sure they have multiple ways to receive warnings Friday afternoon and evening.