Potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to lash the New York City metro area later Thursday, bringing the threat of damaging straight-line wind and hail as we kick off one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

There's a chance that Tropical Storm Chantal will form near Florida during Fourth of July weekend, which may dampen holiday festivities in the Sunshine State. The biggest threat from the developing system will be rain, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek, although he doesn't expect Chantal to become a hurricane.

The Seattle Storm, and Climate Pledge Arena announced that a statue of WNBA legend Sue Bird will be unveiled outside the venue on August 17.

At least six cars were trapped when power poles fell during a dust storm in Las Vegas. No injuries were reported from the incident.

Las Vegas saw dust and wind storms that led to power outages on July 1. Clark County has opened up cooling centers and an emergency shelter.

Residents and local businesses are still picking up the pieces from yesterday's dust storm and are now bracing for the return of triple-digit heat.