Storms could become severe Wednesday; hail, high winds possible

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook Wednesday for the metro-east.

According to the report, storms are likely to arrive Wednesday afternoon and there’s a chance they could become severe -- especially later in the day.

“Right now we’re looking at the late afternoon as the most likely time for storms to arrive,” National Weather Service meteorologist Patrick Walsh said.

If large hail and downpours of rain pan out, Walsh said, they’re most likely to arrive just in time for the evening rush hour. Rain could limit visibility, standing water could make area roads treacherous and high winds could complicate highway driving.

“People need to be careful if they’re out,” Walsh said. “In addition to hail and wind, there is also the possibility of an isolated tornado. So it’s important to stay aware of what’s going on around you.”

There is an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms with a high of 75, according to the National Weather Service. Winds will gust up to 22 mph. But, if the storms develop as feared, golf ball-sized hail could become and issue and winds could be pumped up to 60 mph.

Storms remain likely Wednesday night when the low will drop to 57. The chance of rain is pegged at 60 percent.

After that, things will likely clear up for a couple of days, according to Walsh. Mostly sunny skies will return Thursday when the high will be 78.

It will be partly cloudy Wednesday night when the low will be 59.

Skies will be partly sunny Friday with a high of 73.

There is a 50 percent chance of rain and possibly thunderstorms Friday night when the low will be 56. Walsh said storms are likely Saturday and Sunday, ending a streak of sunny weekends with pleasant temperatures.

Click here for the detailed local forecast.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 6:36 AM with the headline "Storms could become severe Wednesday; hail, high winds possible."