State College, Pa. – Rain and thunderstorms target central Pennsylvania late Friday, threatening to disrupt travel on I-80 and soak communities from State College to Harrisburg. Residents should prepare for downpours and the possibility of isolated flooding as a wet spring pattern returns.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, showers will begin Friday afternoon, increasing in intensity by Friday night. Thunderstorms are likely between 8 p.m. Friday and early Saturday, with the heaviest rain expected during this window. Some areas could see rainfall totals topping one inch, especially where storms linger. Urban and poor drainage flooding is possible—drivers should watch for ponding on roads and avoid travel during heavy rain.
Key impacts stretch across Centre, Clinton, Union, Snyder, Montour, and Columbia counties. Communities along I-80 should pay close attention to updated advisories, as the risk for quick water rise is highest in low-lying areas. PennDOT may issue travel warnings if water accumulates.
The recent wildfire risk will ease as humidity and moisture increase, but it’s important to stay weather-aware as conditions shift rapidly from dry and breezy to wet and stormy.
Five-Day Spring Weather Outlook:
- Friday: Showers develop by afternoon; storms likely at night. High near 73°F.
- Saturday: Rain lingers, tapering to showers. High near 64°F. Localized flooding possible.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny and dry. High near 64°F.
- Monday: Sunny and warmer, high near 71°F.
- Tuesday: Chance of showers. High near 75°F.
Stay tuned to the National Weather Service for updates, and check PennDOT for real-time road conditions. Another round of showers is possible early next week, so keep alerts active and review your flood preparedness plans.
