Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Strong storms threaten western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio this afternoon, with damaging winds and flash flooding possible between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday. Drivers and residents should prepare for sudden downpours and the risk of downed trees or power lines, especially in Pittsburgh, Latrobe, Indiana, and across the Ohio border.
According to the National Weather Service Pittsburgh, a cold front sweeping through the region is set to trigger isolated strong to severe thunderstorms starting midday. The highest risk for damaging gusts and heavy rain will occur along the I-70 corridor, stretching from Pittsburgh to Wheeling, Morgantown, and into eastern Ohio, including Youngstown and Zanesville. Storms may bring quick bursts of rainfall that can overwhelm drains, with localized flooding possible through 8 p.m.
Mile markers on I-79, U.S. Route 22, and PA Turnpike may experience hazardous travel as water accumulates rapidly. PennDOT and local emergency agencies urge drivers to never attempt to cross flooded roads and to monitor alerts. Outdoor activities and construction should be delayed until storms clear.
While not every city will see severe impacts, the window for disruptive weather is tight. Keep mobile devices charged and set up alerts for tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. This system resembles last July’s summer storms that downed trees across Allegheny and Beaver counties.
Additional storms and showers may continue into the evening, but the greatest threat ends after 5 p.m. Another update will follow if conditions worsen.
