Harrisburg, Pa. – Strong storms could bring damaging wind gusts, lightning, and hail to much of central and eastern Pennsylvania through 10 p.m. Thursday, with major population centers including Philadelphia, Allentown, and Harrisburg under threat.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (No. 464) is in effect until 10 p.m. EDT for 25 counties, including Lancaster, York, Dauphin, and Montgomery. The main hazards include wind gusts over 60 mph, large hail, and brief periods of torrential rainfall that could lead to localized flash flooding.
Communities from Chambersburg to Reading, and north through Schuylkill and Union Counties, should prepare for sudden weather changes. Travel on I-81, I-76, and I-78 may be impacted by downed limbs or reduced visibility. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, monitor local alerts, and avoid driving during peak storm activity.
This is the first widespread thunderstorm watch of the week, arriving with a warm, unstable air mass and a fast-moving cold front. Power outages and tree damage are possible.
The severe weather threat continues into tonight, with additional warnings possible as the system progresses eastward.
