Stormy Weather Advances To Eastern U.S.

A cold front sliding into the eastern third of the country will be the main focal point for today's severe storms.

The unsettled weather that plagued the southern half of the Plains yesterday will shift eastward as a disturbance swirling over the Great Lakes drags a cold front across the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and into the eastern U.S.

Today's severe weather appears to be more scattered in nature, with the Storm Prediction Center issuing a broad Slight Risk across the central and southern Appalachians, Tennessee Valley, and much of the Southeast. More isolated severe weather could occur in parts of the Great Lakes and southern Plains.

Strong wind gusts will be the main concern today into tonight, with some hail and a few tornadoes also possible. The cities most at risk for stormy weather include Pittsburgh, Charleston, W.V., Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn., Birmingham and Mobile, Ala., Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., and Charlotte, N.C.

Much of the U.S. will catch a break from severe storms on Tuesday, but some pockets of severe weather will still be possible in the eastern Mid-Atlantic, eastern Carolinas, and the southern Plains.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"