A lingering front will focus scattered thunderstorms along the northern Gulf Coastal States, to the Southeastern Coast today, mainly south of Interstate 20 and east of Interstate 95.

Heavy downpours and frequent lightning will likely accompany the thunderstorms. A few could also be severe, capable of large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps an isolated tornado.

A new cold front will move into the Ohio Valley and southern Plains today, sliding into the Tennessee Valley tonight and Friday.

Areas potentially impacted include southern Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, central and southern Illinois and Indiana, and southwestern Ohio.

A few storms could be severe, with damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes possible. Thunderstorms will also bring a threat for flash flooding, given recent rainfall and saturated grounds.

Meanwhile, a storm system will bring rain, some heavy, across central and northern New England today. Areas from Boston, Mass., north trough Portland, Maine and Burlington, Vt., are at greatest risk.

Rainfall could exceed 1-inch in some areas, with some localized flooding possible.