Good news: Widespread storms on Saturday will ease smoke from Canadian wildfires choking three states.
Bad news: Severe weather is expected across the tri-state area.
A powerful storm system developing Saturday will affect much of the northeastern United States and bring strong to severe thunderstorms to the New York City metro area from late morning into the afternoon and evening.
Overall, in terms of severe weather risk, the National Weather Service ranks most of the three states at Level 3 on a scale of five. Numerous threats are on the table, including damaging straight-line winds, flash floods, isolated tornadoes and hail.
The most severe thunderstorms are forecast to affect the Poconos, Catskills and New Jersey. This area will have the greatest risk of straight-line wind and tornado damage.
As you move east, the risk decreases, but does not evaporate.
There will be enough moisture in the atmosphere to cause heavy downpours during the worst of the storms.
This could lead to flash flooding. The region most at risk for flooding will be Northern/Central New Jersey through the New York City metro area, Long Island, and coastal Connecticut.
Saturday’s storms could bring 3 to 4 inches of rain. Individual higher amounts are not excluded.
Finally, hail is possible on Saturday. The region most at risk from hail will be Central and South Jersey.
