Pittsburgh, Pa. – Slow-moving thunderstorms are drenching western Pennsylvania this afternoon, raising the threat of flash flooding across cities like Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Clarion through 10 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh and State College, a Flood Watch is in effect for 21 counties, spanning the Northwest Mountains to the Laurel Highlands. Forecasters warn that repeated rounds of rain could drop 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas, overwhelming creeks, streams, and urban drainage systems.
Allegheny, Beaver, Indiana, Somerset, and Cambria counties are among those at high risk. In Pittsburgh, saturated soil and poor drainage could cause street flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. In higher terrain, like Fayette and Westmoreland counties, runoff from hillsides could impact rural roads and low bridges.
Drivers should avoid flooded roadways, as water depths can be deceptive and dangerous. Residents are urged to secure basement belongings, monitor weather alerts, and prepare for potential Flash Flood Warnings later tonight.
This marks one of the season’s most widespread flood watches for western Pennsylvania. Rain chances will taper after midnight, but additional storms are possible later this week.
⚠️ Flood Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. tonight.
