By Katie Storbeck, Meteorologist

Jun 28, 2011; 5:54 AM ET

“Damaging winds and hail will also be possible as the strong thunderstorms rumble through. ”

A cold front sweeping across the Eastern Seaboard today will spark showers and thunderstorms for many in the East. The stage will be set for powerful storms in the Southeast this afternoon and evening as the shot of cooler air clashes with the warm, steamy air currently sitting over the region.

This afternoon, strong thunderstorms will erupt from eastern Virginia and the Carolinas westward into eastern Arkansas. As the front dives past, the risk will shift slightly southward and eastward to the coast early tonight.

The thunderstorms across the Southeast through this evening will be hit or miss in nature. However, the strong storms that do develop will still pack a punch.

Blinding downpours could slow traffic at times, and even lead to localized flash flooding troubles. Motorists are reminded to never attempt to drive through flooded streets, as it only takes a matter of inches of flowing water to sweep a vehicle away.

Damaging winds and hail will also be possible as the strong thunderstorms rumble through. Gusts past 50 mph will be capable of downing trees or power lines and damaging buildings.

These late-day thunderstorms will threaten outdoor activities in cities and towns including Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C., Columbia and Charleston, S.C., Augusta and Atlanta, Ga., Birmingham and Montgomery, Ala., and Columbus, Miss. Be prepared to seek shelter if one of these thunderstorms rumbles into the vicinity.

On Wednesday, heavy thunderstorms will continue to prowl along the frontal boundary as it sinks over the eastern Gulf Coast.