Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A surge of thunderstorms late Thursday night could overwhelm roads and low-lying areas across western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia, with near-certain storm coverage pushing into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, storm chances ramp up quickly Thursday evening before peaking between midnight and 6 a.m. Friday, when probabilities reach 95 to 100 percent across much of the region. While the severe threat remains low-end, isolated storms could still produce damaging wind gusts and small hail.
Communities including Pittsburgh, New Castle, Wheeling, Morgantown, and Zanesville are expected to see the heaviest rainfall, with repeated downpours increasing the risk for localized flooding. A marginal excessive rainfall risk is in place, meaning ponding on roads and rapid rises in creeks could develop overnight.
Drivers along I-70, I-79, and I-376 should prepare for reduced visibility and water-covered roadways during the early Friday commute. Urban areas and poor drainage locations face the highest flood concerns.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 60s to near 70 Thursday before dropping sharply into the 40s by Friday, adding to the instability fueling storms.
Residents should avoid flooded roads, charge devices, and ensure alerts are enabled before going to sleep Thursday night.
Storms taper off later Friday morning, but additional advisories may be issued if flooding develops overnight.
