Serious thunderstorm threat for July 4 – but Macy’s says NYC’s iconic fireworks WILL continue
July 4 was out! 200 feet under severe thunderstorm threat for July 4 from south to east coasts — but Macy’s says NYC’s iconic fireworks continue
- Sixty million people are warned of a severe thunderstorm as the West faces heightened wildfire danger and the South East is expected to feel the heat
- Forecasters predict a range of weather disturbances, including storms, wildfires and heat, that will sweep across the country
- The greatest risk extends from the eastern Rockies through the Central Plains into the upper Midwest and upper Mississippi Valley
Thunderstorms across the country could threaten the plans of millions of people trying to celebrate the July 4 holiday.
Sixty million people are warned of severe thunderstorms, while the West faces a greater wildfire threat and the Southeast is expected to suffer from severe heat.
Forecasters predict a range of weather disturbances, including storms, wildfires and heat, that will sweep across the country.
These severe storms can bring damaging wind gusts of 100 kilometers per hour or more, and the risk of large hail.
The greatest risk extends from the eastern Rockies through the Central Plains into the upper Midwest and upper Mississippi Valley.
Massive thunderstorms at risk of reaching severe levels extend much of the south into the mid-Atlantic states, extending as far north as Philadelphia.
Major airports in places like Atlanta, Denver, Minneapolis and Washington, DC are expected to be affected.
Thunderstorms extending into New York, Dallas and Chicago could lead to a potential ripple effect of flight delays and headaches for air travelers across the country.
The main risks in these areas are damaging winds and large hail.
No thunderstorms are expected in the southeast but again for July 4.
Heat warnings expanded across most of Florida from Jacksonville to Miami on Tuesday.
High temperatures reach almost one hundred degrees with extremely high humidity.
Heat index readings around East Central Florida are expected to exceed 110 degrees.
In the west, heat is also the primary concern.
Excessive heat warnings are in effect in several parts of the Southwest as temperatures reach a blazing 110 degrees in Phoenix and Tucson.
Macy’s annual 4th of July fireworks celebration is still going on, kicking off promptly at 9:25 p.m., following performances by stars such as Ashanti, LL Cool J, and Bebe Rexha.
The event is New York City’s largest Independence Day celebration.
More than 60,000 shells will illuminate the New York City skyline in a dazzling display over the East River for this year’s “pyrotechnic salute to America.”
“This year’s Macy’s Fireworks celebration is going to be nothing short of a spectacle,” said Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.
Millions of spectators gather each year to witness the spectacular performance along the East River and we are ready to deliver a soaring, breathtaking firework display that will fill the night sky with color, light, shapes and thunderous sound. Cross added.
“Combined with a score of American classics, this year’s celebration will honor pioneers who forged our past, present and future,” he said. ]
Officials say heavy rain, thunderstorms and severe weather will call off fireworks displays. Thunderstorms have canceled fireworks in the past.
“We try to avoid thunderstorms at all costs. If there is a chance of rain or a lot of rain, we usually cover these shells with plastic before firing,” Peter Decuyper, Pyrotechnic for Santore’s World Famous Fireworks, told News 10.
The threat of severe weather on Monday caused several New Jersey communities to postpone or cancel their Independence Day celebrations, according to Patch News.
Most of NJ also has an increased chance of severe weather, with hail and winds in excess of 100 mph likely.