Region under severe weather alert for afternoon, evening

Severe thunderstorms could hit the region this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 8 p.m. for much of the area.

“We are expecting showers and thunderstorms. We are in a slight risk for severe weather,” said NWS meteorologist Heather Sheffield. Storms could include damaging winds and large hail, with a slight chance for tornadoes.

While some people have questioned whether the storms could be another “derecho,” she said that’s not the case. ”No, I think that’s a rumor going around,” Sheffield said.

A cold front moving south through the region this afternoon and early evening is the cause of the summer storms.

Temperatures have dropped slightly, and forecast highs are now in the mid-90s. The heat index could still be close to 100 degrees.

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