Powerful storms are set to impact the Northeast Thursday evening, threatening Fourth of July plans as Severe Thunderstorm Watch 484 remains in effect. The watch covers multiple states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with storms expected to disrupt evening activities, including fireworks displays.
Areas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch
The National Weather Service in Binghamton and the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, have issued the watch, which remains in effect until 10 p.m. EDT. The alert includes cities such as Binghamton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Providence, Worcester, and parts of the Hudson Valley. The primary threats from these storms include 60 mph wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning, and localized flooding, which could cause disruptions to outdoor events and evening travel.
Threat Areas and Storm Timing
In New York, the watch includes Broome, Otsego, and Sullivan counties, while in Pennsylvania, the threat stretches from the Poconos to the Wyoming Valley, including Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Pike counties. Further east, cities such as Boston, Springfield, and Warwick may also experience strong to severe storms. These storms could interfere with travel and fireworks events, making it essential for residents and visitors to monitor conditions closely.
Safety Precautions
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid flooded roads, and stay indoors during the storms. Wind gusts up to 60 mph could bring down trees, and localized flooding is possible. Power outages are also a concern, as storms could affect utility lines. For safety, keep phones charged and stay updated with local weather alerts in case of emergencies.
Thursday evening’s storms could significantly impact Fourth of July celebrations in the Northeast, with severe weather threatening fireworks displays and evening travel. While the storms are expected to taper off by midnight, residents should remain vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions. Stay safe and monitor weather updates for any changes to the forecast.
