Pittsburgh, PA – A Flood Watch has been issued from 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday afternoon across portions of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia as heavy rainfall raises the threat for flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, widespread rainfall totals between 1.5 and 2 inches are expected over the next 24 hours, with isolated higher amounts possible where heavier downpours persist.
The watch includes the Pittsburgh metro area along with communities such as Washington, Beaver Falls, Wheeling, Steubenville, Cambridge, Zanesville, East Liverpool, New Philadelphia, and New Martinsville.
Forecasters warned that excessive rainfall may lead to flooding of creeks, streams, rivers, urban streets, and other low-lying areas. Poor drainage locations and flood-prone neighborhoods could experience rapid water rises during heavier periods of rain overnight into Saturday.
Counties included in the watch span parts of Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, and Washington counties in Pennsylvania; Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, and Tuscarawas counties in Ohio; and Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia.
Rain is expected to become heavier Friday evening and continue through much of Saturday morning before gradually easing later in the day.
Residents are urged to closely monitor weather updates and prepare for possible Flood Warnings if storms intensify. Drivers should avoid flooded roadways and use caution during overnight travel when water hazards are more difficult to spot.
