The US National Weather Service has issued multiple weather alerts across several states following severe Fourth of July storms, warning of dangerous heat, flooding, poor air quality and strong thunderstorms. Authorities have urged residents to monitor local forecasts and follow safety advisories as hazardous weather continues in several regions.
Heat advisory in Mid-Atlantic
A Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Sunday across parts of the Mid-Atlantic, with heat index values expected to reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41.1 degrees Celsius).
The National Weather Service office in Wakefield, Virginia, said the advisory covers parts of southeast Maryland, northeast North Carolina, and central and eastern Virginia.
Officials warned that high temperatures combined with humidity could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Residents have been advised to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned places, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
Extreme heat watch for Arizona
The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued an Extreme Heat Watch from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening for parts of southern Arizona.
Temperatures are forecast to range between 107 and 111 degrees Fahrenheit (42 to 44 degrees Celsius) across the Tucson metropolitan area, Western Pima County, South Central Pinal County, Southeast Pinal County, the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Upper Gila River Valley.
Forecasters said the prolonged heat could significantly raise the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for people working outdoors.
Wildfire smoke triggers air quality advisory
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory until 9 a.m. Monday because of wildfire smoke drifting from fires in Colorado and Utah.
The advisory covers more than 20 counties, including Pueblo, Durango, Gunnison, Telluride, Leadville, Salida, Alamosa and Breckenridge.
Health officials advised children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions to stay indoors if smoke becomes dense and reduce outdoor activity.
Flood alerts issued in Tennessee and Louisiana
The National Weather Service in Nashville issued a Flood Advisory for Bedford and Marshall counties in Middle Tennessee until 12:15 p.m. CDT Sunday after heavy thunderstorms.
Radar indicated that 1 to 2 inches of rainfall had already fallen in some areas, with minor flooding expected in low-lying and poorly drained locations. Communities including Shelbyville, Lewisburg, Chapel Hill, Cornersville, Farmington, Unionville and Belfast were identified as areas at risk.
Officials reminded motorists not to drive through flooded roads, repeating the warning, "Turn around, don't drown."
In Louisiana, the National Weather Service in Shreveport extended a Flood Warning for Bodcau Bayou at Bayou Bodcau Lake affecting Bossier and Webster parishes.
The river is expected to rise above the flood stage of 172 feet on Sunday afternoon before reaching nearly 175 feet by Tuesday morning. The warning remains in effect until further notice, with residents advised to avoid flooded roads and riverbanks.
Strong thunderstorms affect Florida
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee issued a Special Weather Statement for parts of Dixie and Lafayette counties in Florida.
A strong thunderstorm moving north near Cross City was forecast to produce wind gusts of up to 40 mph, with the potential to bring down tree branches and blow around unsecured objects.
Residents in affected areas were advised to move indoors if they were outside.
