A line of strong to severe thunderstorms barreled into the tri-state area Thursday afternoon, pounding parts of the region with heavy downpours, cloud-to-ground lightning and isolated damaging wind gusts, according to Storm Team 4.
New Jersey, particularly in the western part of the state, saw most of the storms.
The evening was damp and soggy across the tri-state area, with pockets of street and highway flooding in spots, particularly the Hudson Valley and Fairfield, Connecticut.
Flash flood watches were in effect for parts of the area, but Storm Team 4 says downed wires and trees due to wind are primary threats.
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The weather improves Friday in time for the Parade of Champions, as the city -- and the nation -- honor the U.S. women's soccer World Cup Champs with a confetti-fueled ticker-tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes. Humidity levels drop dramatically Friday, Storm Team 4 says, and skies will be mostly sunny with high temperatures above 85 degrees.
Temperatures rise Saturday and Sunday, according to Storm Team 4, but the humidity that smothered the tri-state area for much of the week won't return with the same vengeance. High temperatures Saturday and Sunday are expected to peak around 88 and 89 degrees, respectively.
The chance for scattered afternoon thunderstorms returns next week as the humidity rises.
