Overview
- The Storm Prediction Center (the NOAA office that issues severe weather watches) said Thursday that parts of central and eastern New York and southern Vermont could need a watch as storms grow with risks for strong winds, hail and a couple of tornadoes.
- A separate Thursday outlook for eastern Ohio into western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia flagged a few stronger storms with isolated wind or hail, but the center said a new watch is unlikely.
- Flooding remains a top concern from northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin into southern Michigan and northern Indiana after earlier Weather Prediction Center guidance highlighted training downpours of 1 to 2 inches per hour and local totals up to 3 inches.
- Following Wednesday’s severe round, reports included softball‑size hail near Kansas City, a tornado that damaged parts of Clinton, Missouri and cut power to about 2,000 people, and a man believed struck by lightning in Waukesha, Wisconsin who died, according to police.
- Looking ahead, Friday evening carries a higher severe risk with the SPC placing areas near and west of I‑39 in Illinois under an Enhanced level, and Chicago under a Slight level, with timing likely after sunset and primary threats of damaging wind, large hail and a few tornadoes.