East Finley, Pa. – A brief but confirmed tornado struck south of East Finley in Washington County on Friday afternoon, damaging a rural area between Birch Road and Elwood Day Road just before 3 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the EF0 tornado touched down at 2:52 p.m. and lasted less than a minute, with peak winds reaching 65 mph. It cut a narrow path—just 75 yards wide and under half a mile long—before lifting off the ground at 2:53 p.m. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The tornado, confirmed after a storm survey and drone footage review, was classified as weak but consistent with the region’s trends. Over 70% of tornadoes in western Pennsylvania are rated EF0 or EF1, based on NWS records from 1950 to 2024.
Residents along Birch Road described minor tree damage and scattered debris. While no homes were destroyed, local emergency crews were dispatched to ensure power lines and roads remained safe.
No watches or warnings remain in effect for the region. However, residents are urged to remain weather-aware as storm season continues. More updates may follow if additional storm activity develops.
