Severe Thunderstorm Warning for New Hampshire

The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings for portions of southern New Hampshire on April 14, 2026, as a fast-moving line of storms brought damaging winds and frequent lightning to the region.

According to reporting from WMUR, the weather system moved east at approximately 50 mph, impacting several communities across the southern part of the state. The National Weather Service established two specific warning areas: one extending from Jaffrey east through Milford, effective until 7:45 p.m., and another covering the lower Merrimack Valley from Manchester to Nashua and points east, effective until 8:15 p.m.

Storm Impact and Hazards

Meteorologist Mike Haddad reported that the storms were characterized by frequent lightning strikes and significant wind gusts. In downtown Manchester, specifically at the corner of Granite Street and South Commercial, lightning was observed hitting several times per minute with winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph.

Along the leading edge of the rain, wind speeds were significantly higher, with gusts recorded between 40 and 60 mph. These conditions created hazards for residents and drivers in Hooksett, Allenstown, Bedford, and Milford, as well as the city of Manchester and areas south of Jaffrey.

While broad rotation was observed in the weather patterns, meteorologists indicated that a tornado was not anticipated at that time. However, the primary threats remained the high wind speeds and heavy rainfall.

Field Observations and Timing

Reporting from the ground in Manchester, Stormwatch 9’s Hayley Lapoint described experiencing huge downpours and frequent lightning flashes while stationed in the parking lot of the Mall of New Hampshire. Lapoint noted that the most intense portion of the storm hit approximately five minutes prior to her report.

The storm line’s trajectory was predicted to move southeast at roughly 45 mph. Expected arrival times for the storm’s peak intensity included Merrimack within a few minutes of the report, Nashua around 7:44 p.m., and Salem near 8:00 p.m., before moving offshore east of the coast by approximately 8:10 p.m.

Regional Weather Context

The severe weather occurred as temperatures in the region climbed into the 70s. The National Weather Service indicated that these warmer temperatures contributed to the potential for storms to become strong or severe, bringing the possibility of damaging winds.

The warnings were part of a broader weather pattern affecting New Hampshire and western Maine, characterized by an unsettled pattern that increased the chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms across the region.