"June is busting out all over!"

- From the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical "State Fair" 

Photo credit: Instagram user bdwy27 from June 1 2012
in Sterling, Virginia

7:30 AM EDT 6/1/12 (The Maryland Team) - June will indeed be busting out all over the Mid-Atlantic region today and tonight, as a severe weather outbreak is likely in that area. The following overview is from our Mid-Atlantic Severe Weather Team. A link to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center imagery for Wind & Tornado Threat: (http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1probotlk_1200_torn.gif)

NOAA Storm Prediction Center graphic shows a moderate risk
of tornadoes in the Mid-Atlantic today

• TODAY: Scattered showers and thunderstorms may develop during the afternoon hours over the region. These storms will have the potential to produce high winds, large hail, and tornadoes associated with a strong cold front marching eastward across the Ohio Valley early in the day to the Mid Atlantic by this evening.

• TONIGHT: One or more significant squall lines should reach the Philadelphia/Baltimore/Washington, D.C. metro areas by mid to late evening. There is increasing potential for powerful winds with this second round of storms. Hail and isolated tornadoes will remain a possibility. Heavy downpours are a certainty with these strong to severe storms, and flash flooding cannot be ruled out. 

MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION: Any public events planned for late this afternoon or early evening are strongly advised to consider alternate indoor plans, as this severe weather outbreak will be a high risk event. Remain alert to changing conditions and seek shelter immediately if you sense a storm is approaching your area. For official watches and warnings, please monitor the latest statements from your nearest NWS forecast office or the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.