Afternoon storms bring their own fireworks

You might need a Plan B for that July Fourth picnic.

Thunderstorms are expected to roll into the 1-25 corridor around 2 p.m.

"Some might be severe," said Kathy Torgerson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Pueblo.

Possibilities include hail from the size of quarters to icy pingpong balls driven by strong, gusty winds. Heavy rains could bring the threat of flash flooding. And if that doesn't drive you into the house, the lightning could.

"People tend to underestimate lightning," Torgerson said. "If you see dark clouds billowing or hear thunder, take shelter. Tents and picnic shelters are not safe. Know where you are going ahead of time so you are not stuck out there."

The storms should be out of here by dark, but "Sunday we get to do it again, same scenario," she said.