Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Drivers along I-70 and I-76 could face sudden crosswinds up to 70 mph and bursts of large hail before sunset Sunday as a fast-moving line of severe storms pushes across the Ohio Valley.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Level 3 out of 5 enhanced risk covers much of eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and the West Virginia Panhandle through Sunday evening. Forecasters warn that initial supercell storms may produce hail up to 2 inches in diameter before evolving into a squall line capable of widespread damaging wind gusts between 55 and 70 mph, with isolated peaks near 75 mph.
In Ohio, cities including Columbus, Akron, and Canton sit in the primary wind corridor, where outages could impact thousands if tree limbs fall onto power lines. In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Washington, and Uniontown are in the highest impact zone, especially along major routes like I-79 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, where sudden visibility drops and debris may halt traffic. Wheeling and Morgantown face similar risks in West Virginia.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm timing late Sunday afternoon into the evening commute.
Warnings may be issued with little lead time as storms intensify. The severe threat is expected to weaken later Sunday night, but additional alerts could follow if conditions redevelop.
