Weather

Storms bringing drenching rain, gusty winds and rough surf are forecast to move north along the Middle Atlantic coast on Saturday. Urban flooding could occur, while winds may cause sporadic power outages. Surf and rip currents are forecast to quickly build. Dry weather will hold on for much of the New England day before conditions deteriorate at night.

Farther south and west, a large patch of thunderstorms will extend from the Ohio Valley to the Gulf and southern Atlantic coast. Rainfall will be caused by a separate storm that is forecast to linger for days in the eastern part of the nation. Localized flash flooding and damaging winds could occur. Steadier rain will fall over the Upper Midwest. Downpours from this storm are also expected to expand into the Northeast states.

From the Plains to the Pacific Coast, most areas can expect dry weather. Exceptions will be across the Rockies, where spotty thunderstorms are forecast. Fire weather will continue over much of the western third of the nation, while heat builds over the Southwest.

FOCUS: Severe Weather to Southeast

In the wake of Friday’s outbreak of severe weather, the danger for violent thunderstorms will shift to the Southeast later on Saturday. The strongest thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging winds, hail and downpours that may reduce visibility and cause flooding.