Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Drivers across western Pennsylvania and the Upper Ohio Valley could encounter water-covered roads Wednesday night as a surge of thunderstorms brings 1 to 1.4 inches of rainfall across the region through early Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, rain totals from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon could exceed 1.29 inches in Butler, 1.23 inches near Washington, and 1.41 inches near Punxsutawney, with about 1.16 inches expected in Pittsburgh. Forecasters say storms Wednesday into Wednesday night may produce locally heavier downpours capable of causing minor flooding in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
The agency also highlights a marginal excessive rainfall risk across western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia through 8 a.m. Thursday, meaning isolated flooding issues are possible even though widespread flooding is not expected.
Communities including New Castle, Butler, Indiana, Latrobe, Morgantown, Wheeling, and Cambridge could see brief periods of heavy rain as storms track across the I-76, I-79, and I-70 corridors. Urban streets, small creeks, and storm drains could briefly overflow if heavier downpours develop.
Residents should clear storm drains, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and monitor weather alerts Wednesday evening as thunderstorms approach. Additional advisories could be issued if heavier rainfall develops overnight.
