Storms threaten East Coast as severe weather potential grows along I-95 corridor

A cold front moving into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic is expected to trigger widespread rain and thunderstorms along the Interstate 95 corridor on Thursday, putting major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia and Washington on alert for severe weather, including tornadoes.

Forecasters say many storms will be isolated or pop-up in nature, but some could reach strong to severe levels. The primary threats are damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall that can cause localized flooding, and frequent lightning. While a few cells could briefly produce tornadoes, the overall setup is not expected to produce a widespread severe weather outbreak, forecasters said. Rain totals could reach up to 3 inches in parts of eastern Pennsylvania and into southwestern New England, with higher amounts where storms repeatedly train over the same locations.

The Storm Prediction Center placed tens of millions of people along the I-95 corridor from southern New England through the Northeast and into the mid-Atlantic in a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms. The risk encompasses major urban centers and outlying communities, with Springfield, Massachusetts; Hartford, Connecticut; New York City; Philadelphia; Baltimore and Washington among the cities highlighted as potentially affected. In total, about 45 million people from western Massachusetts to the Delmarva Peninsula could see at least some tornado risk as the front moves through.

Localized flooding is another concern, especially in areas with poor drainage or urban cores where repeated storm cells could train over the same neighborhoods. Travel disruptions are likely during the evening and overnight hours as downpours and gusty winds invest roadways and highways. Forecasters emphasized that while the atmosphere may not support a large outbreak, powerful storms can still occur and should be treated with caution.

As the front advances Thursday, forecasters expect the strongest activity to remain tied to the lead edge of convective bands rather than a single, focused line of storms. The timing across cities along the I-95 corridor will vary, but residents from southern New England through the mid-Atlantic should monitor local alerts closely and prepare for rapid changes in weather conditions.

By Friday, the cold front is forecast to move offshore, ending the rain for most areas along the East Coast. Some relief could arrive for drought-weary parts of the region, though the intensity and duration of any rainfall will vary by location. The meteorological agency reminded the public that conditions can change quickly and urged people to stay informed through official forecasts and local authorities.

Officials and emergency managers urged travelers to plan ahead, especially in the evening hours, and to avoid flooded roadways. Children, the elderly and people with mobility challenges should remain vigilant, seeking shelter promptly if a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The latest guidance will be updated as new model data arrives and conditions evolve along the corridor.