Wilmington Under Threat of Severe Thunderstorms Sunday Afternoon, Evening

If you have outdoor plans this afternoon or tonight, keep an eye to the sky.

Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are likely late Sunday afternoon and Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service. The areas at highest risk for these storms are north of the Massachusetts Turnpike.

The storms are likely to develop after 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. Initially, the main risk will be locally strong to damaging wind gusts, but isolated reports of hail are possible. While there is uncertainty around another system coming later in the day, there is the potential for even more severe weather between 4 p.m. and midnight.

The current radar (as of 7:25 a.m. Sunday) shows Wilmington won’t be at risk of these storms until around dinnertime. That risk of isolated and scattered thunderstorms will continue until 11 p.m. Sunday night.

According to NWS officials, the biggest uncertainty is whether or not these isolated strong storms merge into a larger complex of thunderstorms. Again, the highest risk is for north of the Massachusetts Turnpike, but can’t be ruled out across the rest of the region if a larger complex of storms is able to develop. If that is the case, more significant wind damage will be possible and heavy rain may also bring the potential for localized flooding. Dangerous cloud to ground lightning will be possible with these storms. The biggest threat for the these storms is between 4 p.m. and midnight but could linger.

The NWS reminds residents if you are outside and hear thunder you are close enough to get struck by lightening and should head to an indoor shelter immediately.

View the extended Wilmington weather forecast >>>