Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions Amid Wildfire Smoke

More than 50 million people in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are under severe weather alerts this weekend, with risks including damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and flash flooding. A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect for areas including Chicago, Ithaca, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. Additionally, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are under a tornado watch until 9:00 p.m. local time, with the possibility of EF-2 tornadoes.

The National Weather Service has warned of potential scattered flash flooding from D.C. to Boston, particularly in urban areas with high runoff. New York City is currently under a flood watch as it prepares for thunderstorms and high wind gusts. Meanwhile, air quality is expected to improve as a cold front moves through the region, following hazardous conditions caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota that have affected at least 19 states.