Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Damaging thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts up to 75 mph, large hail and a few tornadoes are expected to develop across parts of the Ohio Valley, central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic through Tuesday evening, creating the potential for dangerous travel conditions, scattered power outages and rapidly changing weather.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to form along and ahead of a cold front stretching from the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic. The greatest threats include wind gusts between 60 and 75 mph, hail measuring 1 inch or larger, and the possibility of a few tornadoes. An enhanced risk area extends across portions of western and central Pennsylvania into parts of Maryland, northern Virginia and eastern West Virginia.
Cities including Pittsburgh, Morgantown, Hagerstown, Frederick, Harrisburg and surrounding communities should prepare for storms capable of downing trees, damaging power lines and creating hazardous driving conditions during the afternoon and evening commute. Interstate corridors including I-70, I-76, I-79 and sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike could experience sudden reductions in visibility from heavy rain and strong wind.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, charge electronic devices ahead of the storms and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, particularly if tornado warnings are issued. Drivers should avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to drive through water-covered streets.
Thunderstorm activity is expected to diminish after the cold front moves through later Tuesday night, but additional watches or warnings may be issued as storms develop. Stay alert for rapidly changing conditions throughout the day.
