Heavy Rains, Winds Bearing Down On Tri-State Area

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- We could be in for a real soaker Wednesday.

A line of precipitation is stretching from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and we have a chance for some heavy rain, 50-mph winds and a possible thunderstorm, according to CBS 2's Lonnie Quinn. 

The entire region should expect 1-3 inches of rain with heavier amounts falling north and west of New York City. Although it's going to be wet, it will be warm. Wednesday's high is expected to be near 60 degrees.

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"If the front maintains its current speed it would impact our area with the worst weather between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.," Quinn said. "Sustained winds will be around 20 mph, with occasional gusts between 40 and 50 mph. Some of the strongest winds of the day look to be right in the heart of New York City."

Quinn said the last bit of rain should exit the area around 8 p.m. Following the storm, a blast of cold air will hit the area well into Thursday.

"Some of that trailing rain could turn into snow far north and west of the city," Quinn said. "We are not talking major accumulations, but we are talking about the possibility of waking up to a dusting on Thursday morning.

"This same line of storms is the same one that has caused tornado warnings down south. The Storm Prediction Center does not feel that's a concern for us. Tornadic activity, according to the SPC, should be limited to Delaware and points south."

Forecast:

Wednesday: High 58, Low 34
Periods of rain. Patchy fog. Rain may be heavy at times in the afternoon. Windy with highs around 60. Temperature falling into the lower 50s in the afternoon. Southeast winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

Thursday: High 43, Low 29
Sunny. Cooler with highs in the mid 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday: High 45, Low 31
Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

Saturday: High 43, Low 31
Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.