Storms are possible today along the entire eastern Seaboard, and while there is a LOW-level risk for severe weather, an isolated stronger storm cannot be ruled out. New York City was hit with a severe thunderstorm warning early Thursday morning with the threat of damaging winds. The main threat across the Northeast today is damaging wind, but we can not rule out small hail or an isolated tornado.
Watch the timelapse of the EarthCam from New York City while the severe storm rolled through the city. A 59 mph wind gust was recorded in Pennsylvania with winds topping out at 55 mph on Long Island. A reminder that a "severe storm" wind gust is 58 mph or stronger.
Showers and storms impact New England before moving offshore around dinnertime. Later Thursday and into early Friday morning the storm activity will be focused into the Carolinas and Delmarva with the risk of heavy rainfall, small hail and gusty winds.
This is the time of the year when severe thunderstorms become more likely in the Northeast. Usually around Memorial Day, severe storms become a common afternoon event. However, severe weather can happen at any time of the year. Last week the Pittsburgh, PA area had 5 tornadoes in a single day.