Overview
- The Storm Prediction Center issued a Level 3 (Enhanced) risk that explicitly includes Presque Isle and Jackman, Maine; Berlin, New Hampshire; Burlington, Vermont; and Plattsburgh, New York, according to multiple forecasts on Tuesday.
- Forecasters say storms could produce widespread damaging straight-line winds with gusts over about 70 mph, large hail, and a few tornadoes with one or two strong tornadoes possible in the highest-risk areas.
- The severe threat is driven by very hot, humid air from a heat dome colliding with a fast-moving upper-level disturbance from southeastern Canada, creating strong instability and low-level wind shear that can support supercells and organized convective lines.
- Timing is critical because storms expected late afternoon into the evening could weaken as daytime heating wanes, while an earlier arrival during peak heating would likely increase storm coverage and intensity.
- Heavily forested terrain and widespread overhead power lines raise the risk of downed trees and power outages, travel on major interstates could be disrupted, and people in the risk zones should monitor watches and warnings from the NWS.