STORM WATCH: Powerful, dangerous storms Saturday could lead to serious damage and outages
The storm threat worsens for the state on Saturday. Rounds of severe weather are likely to batter the area with intense, destructive winds, large hail, flooding rains and zealous lightning.
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Wicked weather is becoming more likely for Saturday. Destructive winds and flooding rains are the primary weather concern. A few stronger cells could be able to produce tornadoes. This threat is low but the atmospheric signature is there. Please be safe and smart during the day tomorrow. Listen to any and all warnings.
The lingering smoke that has smothered the state over the last few days will continue to produce dangerous air quality for tonight. The weather will be warm. For the most part the forecast should be rather pleasant tonight. The muggies aren't an issue. It won't be until daybreak that we notice an increase in humidity as a warm front approaches. This weather system will be trigger in kicking off strong storms later in the morning.
Rounds of storms will be passing through the state throughout the day. Each round of storms is capable of producing rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour - enough to quickly overcome drainage areas and systems.
Flooding should be expected. Each storm is also capable of producing damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph. This type of wind could damage trees and power lines, resulting in widespread outages. Plan ahead.
The chance is small, but some of the more intense storm cells that develop could trigger an isolated tornado. The ingredients for rotating storms will be present.
The storm threat is through Saturday night. The weather will slowly be improving by Sunday morning.
The second half of the weekend looks wonderful. The wildfire smoke will have been scoured away by the storms. The sun will be shining bright and the temperature should be seasonably warm with very little humidity to make the day feel awful.
