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Overview: Widespread Severe Weather Hits Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and watches across the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, including New England, New York, and the Washington, D.C. area, as a strong frontal system moves eastward this weekend.

Residents are urged to stay alert through Sunday, May 5, with damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, lightning, and isolated tornadoes all possible.

Severe thunderstorm warnings

Key Impacts by Region (May 3–5, 2025)

New England: Violent Storms Sweep Across Saturday Evening

• Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were active from the afternoon through 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, in:

  • Massachusetts (including Boston)

  • New Hampshire

  • Maine

  • Connecticut

• Storm timeline:

  • 2–6 p.m.: Southern Vermont, western Massachusetts, and New Hampshire saw initial storm development.

  • 6–8 p.m.: Storms moved into Greater Boston, bringing vivid lightning, torrential rain, and gusts up to 70 mph.

  • 8–10 p.m.: Storms weakened while reaching Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts.

• Impacts:

  • Power outages affected over 8,000 homes in Connecticut alone.

  • Wind damage reported in Springfield, MA, with downed trees and power lines.

  • Localized flooding occurred in low-lying areas around Worcester and Manchester.

Washington, D.C. & Mid-Atlantic: Thunderstorm Watches Extend Into Sunday

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday for the following Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. areas:

• Virginia: Fauquier, Prince William, Stafford, Arlington, Fairfax, and the cities of Alexandria and Manassas

• Maryland: Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, and Carroll Counties

• District of Columbia

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued for Frederick County (until 5:45 p.m.) and Prince William and Fauquier Counties (until 6 p.m.).

• Threats:

  • Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph

  • Hail up to 1 inch in diameter

  • Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning

  • Brief tornado potential in western Virginia and Maryland foothills

• Storms are forecast to linger overnight into Sunday morning, with flooding concerns in urban areas such as D.C. proper and inner beltway suburbs.

Southern California: Light Rain, Cooler Temperatures, and Mountain Snow Possible

While the East Coast faces severe thunderstorms, Southern California braces for a cool, wet weekend as a low-pressure system pushes inland.

Forecast Summary (May 3–5, 2025):

• Saturday Night into Sunday Morning:

  • Rain expected across Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, and valleys

  • Totals of 0.10 to 0.25 inches

  • Drizzle in the morning, followed by evening showers

  • Mountain snow possible above 6,500 feet and isolated thunderstorms in higher elevations

• Temperatures:

  • L.A. & Orange County: Highs near 67°F, lows around 56°F

  • Beaches: Cooler, with highs of 63°F, lows around 54°F

  • Mountains: Highs near 61°F Saturday, dropping to the mid-40s Sunday

  • Deserts: Gusty winds and a slight rain chance Sunday, with highs around 75°F

• Extended Outlook:

  • Below-average temperatures linger through Monday

  • Gradual warming trend starts Tuesday, May 6

Forecast Breakdown: Sunday, May 4 – Monday, May 5

Sunday, May 4:

• New England:

  • Temperatures in the 60s, dropping into the 50s in coastal Massachusetts due to a northeast sea breeze.

  • Scattered showers throughout the day, increasing in intensity after 4 p.m.

  • Fog and humidity will persist overnight.

• Mid-Atlantic:

  • Residual thunderstorms in early morning.

  • Showers tapering off by midday, with mostly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 60s.

Monday, May 5:

• A cutoff low-pressure system settles over the eastern U.S., bringing prolonged rainfall and cooler temps:

  • New England & Mid-Atlantic: Highs only in the mid-50s to low 60s

  • Heavy rain bands possible across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York

  • Flash flood watch may be issued depending on rainfall totals

Severe Weather Preparedness Tips

Residents in all affected areas should:

• Monitor NWS alerts via weather.gov or NOAA weather radio.

• Seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued—don’t wait for lightning or visible storms.

• Avoid flooded roads; turn around, don’t drown.

• Charge devices, gather flashlights, and secure loose outdoor items.

• Keep emergency kits stocked with water, non-perishable food, and first aid.

Looking Ahead: Midweek Relief, Weekend Threat Returns

• Tuesday, May 6 – Wednesday, May 7: Continued cool, unsettled weather with off-and-on showers. Slight improvement by Wednesday afternoon.

• Thursday, May 8: Likely the driest day of the week with sun peeking through and highs near 70°F.

• Friday, May 9: Another weak system may bring scattered showers, particularly in the Northeast.

• Mother’s Day Weekend (May 10–11):

  • Saturday: Another storm system approaches, raising severe weather risks again.

  • Sunday: Forecasts call for sunny skies and comfortable highs in the mid to upper 60s, making for a pleasant Mother’s Day—at least for now.

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