WEATHER ALERT: Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For Pennsylvania

Scattered severe storms are possible in New Jersey and Pennsylvania on Friday with “damaging winds” and hail stretching from the Mid-Atlantic states to the Gulf coast, according to forecasters

Scattered severe storms could flare up again during the early to mid-afternoon hours from the Mid-Atlantic states to the Gulf coast and westward into Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, according to The Weather Channel.

Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats, but there could be a tornado or two mainly over the Mid-Atlantic region, according to The Weather Channel.

The National Weather Service has issued a “Hazardous Weather Outlook” for much of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, noting there is a risk that thunderstorms will hit the region on Friday. The region could get 30-mph wind gusts.

With that vigorous jet stream overlapping warm, humid air and surface features – such as a dryline that divides High Plains dry air from more humid air to the east – and a warm front helping to lift the unstable air, the stage has been set for an outbreak of severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

The National Weather Service predicted thunderstorms, lightning strikes, possible tornadoes and “hail the size of pennies” were poised to first strike the Midwest as an “active spring weather pattern” moves through the United States on Thursday and Friday.

In the Northeast, roads could be slick in spots as the rain will continue though Friday.

“Thunderstorms will likely develop toward evening, with several rounds of storms expected overnight into Thursday morning. Some of these storms could also produce large hail and locally heavy rainfall, but the greatest threat of severe weather will develop Thursday afternoon,” reports the National Weather Service.

Here is the hour-by-hour forecast for the New Jersey and Pennsylvania region: