Harrisburg, Pa. – Damaging winds and large hail are possible across Pennsylvania and New York today as strong to severe thunderstorms sweep through the region, bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding concerns into Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service’s Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, locally 1 to 2 inches of rain may fall from central Pennsylvania into Virginia, with some isolated stream and tributary surges possible. Small rises of 1 to 3 feet are expected on creeks and rivers, particularly in low-lying or urban areas where runoff accumulates quickly.
Storms are likely to intensify during the afternoon and early evening, with locations such as Scranton, Binghamton, Harrisburg, and Allentown under heightened risk for wind gusts over 50 mph and scattered hail. Travel could be impacted along portions of I-81, I-78, and I-95, especially during peak afternoon hours.
Residents are advised to avoid flooded roadways, charge electronic devices ahead of potential power outages, and remain weather-aware through the evening. Conditions are expected to calm after dark as storm activity diminishes.
More updates are expected later today as the system progresses eastward.
