STORMTRACKER ALERT: Thunderstorms may bring heavy rain tonight

A flood watch is in effect this afternoon

Strong storms this afternoon could bring localized flooding and gusty winds – as a result, we’re calling today a Stormtracker Alert from about 2pm-8pm tonight. It’s a warm and muggy start this morning – with temperatures for the morning commute already in the mid 70s and dewpoints in the low 70s. By this afternoon, heat index values will be pushing triple digits inland. This soupy airmass will help to fuel the thunderstorms that form along a slow-moving cold front later on.

The large amount of moisture in the air means that any storms that do form have the potential to bring heavy rainfall. Rainfall rates of 1″ per hour or more are possible with these storms. AAs a result, we have a flood watch in effect from 2pm this afternoon until 2am tomorrow for the risk of localized flooding where these thunderstorms do set up. Localized is the key word here – some of us may miss out on the thunderstorms altogether. The best thing you can do to prepare is make sure you have a way of receiving weather warnings later today, and remember to never drive through flooded roadways.

After sunset these storms will begin to fizzle out, although we could see a few lingering showers overnight tonight adding to those rainfall totals. Tomorrow will be much cooler, with temperatures only in the 80s, although the humidity sticks around. An isolated shower is also possible tomorrow.

Kristina will have updates on tonight’s storms on-air and online starting with ABC6 News at 4pm. Stay safe out there today!

-Tyler