NJ Storms Heighten Flood, Tornado Risk; Maine Relief

Multiple rounds of steady rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected across the Philadelphia region and much of New Jersey on Thursday, with heavier downpours midday into the evening and brief mid‑day lulls north and west of the city. Forecasters warn of isolated severe storms—damaging wind gusts are the primary threat and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out—along with a real risk of flash flooding in low‑lying, urban, and poor‑drainage areas. Most locations are forecast to receive roughly 0.5–1 inch of rain, though localized totals of 1–3 inches are possible where heavier bands train; several outlets pinpoint the greater severe window from roughly 4–10 p.m. and officials have declared alert days. In Maine, roughly 1–2 inches of beneficial rain are expected Thursday, which should help ease drought conditions and lower fire risk, with precipitation ending late Thursday and sun returning Friday. Conditions should improve Friday with drier, warmer weather returning, though high humidity and spotty showers may persist into the weekend, and showers with a few thunderstorms are also expected across parts of northeastern Ohio today.