Erie, PA – Northern Pennsylvania and Western New York are on alert for potential severe thunderstorms this afternoon, with damaging wind gusts as the main threat. The National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center issued a notice at 12:30 PM CDT Wednesday, detailing the severe weather risk.
According to the NWS, thunderstorms are expected to mature in these areas due to increased heating and low-level moisture advection, which will boost atmospheric instability to around 1500 to 2000 J/kg MLCAPE. The Buffalo Velocity Wind Profile (BUF VWP) shows effective shear at approximately 30 knots, supporting the organization of storm updrafts.
Residents should remain alert and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. If stronger storm updrafts develop and merge, a severe thunderstorm watch might be issued later this afternoon or early evening.
