Strong Storms, Tornadoes Possible Monday In Eastern PA

A line of severe thunderstorms is expected to move across the Philadelphia region Monday, bringing high winds and possible tornadoes to the area beginning in the evening.

The National Weather Service says there is a risk of severe weather between 4 p.m. and midnight. The storms bring the potential for damaging winds and localized flooding. "A brief tornado and hail are possible as well," according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are possible.

The hourly forecast from The Weather Channel shows the storms hitting Philadelphia later in the evening, with a 32 percent chance of thunderstorms at 7 p.m. increasing to a 61 percent chance at 8 p.m.

The line of strong thunderstorms initially formed Sunday afternoon, resulting in severe weather in Missouri, Tennessee and Michigan, where large hail and tornadoes were reported, AccuWeather said.

"The same storm to produce the severe weather risk on Sunday will continue to plague residents farther east from Monday to Monday night," according to AccuWeather forecasters.

The entire East Coast, from New England to the Gulf Coast, is at risk of severe weather on Monday, The Weather Channel reported. "Through the day and into the early evening, some of the ongoing storms will intensify and new ones will form ahead of the cold front while spreading to the East Coast," according to The Weather Channel report.

Ahead of the thunderstorms, expect temperatures to warm into the upper 60s and 70s across the area.

The Philadelphia Phillies are scheduled to play their home opener at Citizens Bank Park against the Colorado Rockies beginning at 3:05 p.m.

Here's the local forecast:

Today: A slight chance of showers before 9 am, then a chance of showers after 2 pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 am, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 43. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers, mainly after 2 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: A chance of showers before 8 am, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 78. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.