Pittsburgh, Pa. – Western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia could see strong to severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon and Monday night, with damaging wind gusts posing the greatest threat. While confidence is high that thunderstorms will develop, forecasters are still working to determine exactly when the strongest storms will arrive and how organized they will become.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, thunderstorm chances will increase Monday afternoon and continue through Monday night. The primary hazard is expected to be damaging straight-line winds, although large hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out if storms intensify.
The Storm Prediction Center highlights the highest severe wind potential across eastern Ohio, where probabilities of damaging wind gusts reach 30% to 44% within 25 miles of a location. Much of western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh metro, falls within a 15% to 29% probability area, while locations farther east remain in a 5% to 14% risk zone.
Forecasters note that one possible scenario involves an organized complex of thunderstorms developing Monday night, which would increase the potential for widespread wind damage. However, the exact track, timing and intensity of that system remain uncertain, and additional thunderstorms outside of that complex are also possible.
Communities including Pittsburgh, New Philadelphia, Butler, Wheeling, Latrobe, Indiana and surrounding areas should closely monitor forecast updates throughout Monday. Secure outdoor furniture, charge mobile devices ahead of the storms, and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially Monday evening and overnight.
Forecast confidence will continue to improve as the event approaches, and additional watches or warnings could be issued if stronger storms become more likely across the region.
