BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Forecasters said most of the East Coast was at risk for severe weather Friday, with winds as strong as 60 mph, isolated tornadoes and heavy rain possible as the Gulf Coast recovered from storms blamed for two deaths.Waves of weather moving in from the Gulf of Mexico at daybreak brought rain and lightning to parts of the Florida Panhandle struck last month by Hurricane Michael, and the threat was supposed to spread to the north and east through the day.
"I think people are not wanting to see more wind and rain,'' said Mayor Margo Anderson of hurricane-tossed Lynn Haven, Florida. "It puts everyone on edge. It's frightening.''
The Storm Prediction Center said there was a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms along a line running from Florida's west coast to southern New Hampshire in New England. About 64 million people in cities including Washington, Philadelphia and New York live in the path.
At least two deaths along the Gulf Coast were blamed on storms that hit Wednesday night and Thursday. At least 12 tornadoes had been confirmed in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, with the damage surveys expected to continue Friday.
Storm Threat Spreads Up East Coast As South Recovers
Rogelio V. Solis
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Associated Press