Early autumn severe storms to focus on Atlantic Seaboard

As a front separating air cold enough for snow in the Rockies collides with humid air the East, rounds of gusty and severe thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain will erupt prior to the end of the week, AccuWeather meteorologists say.

Severe weather often increases in autumn following the late-summer lull in thunderstorm activity, as the jet stream strengthens and warm and humid air flows from the Gulf.

In addition to heavy rain , the main threats in severe storms will be lightning strikes, powerful wind gusts, and hail. A few tornadoes are possible through the end of the week in the most intense storms.

The threat of severe weather will extend across portions of the Interstate 85 and 95 corridors of the East into Thursday night.

Some of the strongest thunderstorms are forecast fr