Wind gusts over 50 mph expected during today's deluge

Wind gusts around 50 mph will accompany a rolling series of pounding downpours this afternoon with severe weather, including powerful thunderstorms and local flooding possible near rivers and streams.

The worst of the wind will be from 2-5 p.m., but torrential downpours that will come in waves will be featured on an off much of the day.

Showers are likely to begin around 6 a.m., with the steady rain turning into a deluge around 10 a.m.

Strengthening southwesterly winds in excess of 100 mph are forecast less than a mile above the surface from the mid-Atlantic coastline into southern New England by midday today.

Any heavy shower or thunderstorm could be capable of forcing those strong winds down near ground level.

Although gusts of 100 mph are not expected at the surface, some storms will be capable of producing gusts up to an AccuWeather local StormMax™ of 80 mph. The strongest winds will be closer to the coast.

Stemming from the threat of multiple rounds of wet weather across the Northeast, localized flash flooding may also become a concern, especially in hilly areas.

Some of the thunderstorms could be severe.

As the center of the powerful storm system tracks through the Great Lakes during the day on Monday, strong wind gusts are also predicted in areas that won't have thunderstorms roll through.

Accuweather material was used in this report.