LOCK HAVEN — Forecasters with the National Weather Service are warning of the possibility of strong and severe thunderstorms across the region this afternoon and evening.

Most of the worst of these storms are expected to stay to our northwest, however, the chance does exist for them to maintain sufficient strength upon reaching our area for serious damage to be possible.

The forecast suggests strong warming today, with a high of 84 expected. This will provide plenty of energy for thunderstorms to build as the instability of a frontal system will lift towards the area today.

Strong winds are the chief threat our area is expected to have to worry about, with bow echoes — also known as derechos in the most severe and long-lived examples — possible in localized areas. NWS is also advising of the possibility of an isolated tornado, again, more likely in the northwestern region of the state.

One of the uncertainties on Monday afternoon, looking ahead, is the amount of cloud cover expected ahead of the storms. The more cloud cover develops, the less instability will be present and the weaker the storms will become. Less cloud cover, conversely, will allow the storms to strengthen further and stay strong longer — and possibly affect our area more.

Training thunderstorms — which subsequently cross the same spots over and over again — are also a concern with these storms. In those locations, heavy rains may add up to a rapid inch or more of rain.

After a stormy day today, the forecast clears for Wednesday. Another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected Thursday through Saturday, with the bulk expected on Friday.

Starting Sunday, however, long-range models are showing a high pressure center developing over the mid-Atlantic, which looks to keep storm systems away from us for a while.