Pittsburgh, PA – The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that four EF-1 tornadoes touched down in western Pennsylvania on March 16, impacting Westmoreland, Fayette, and Indiana counties. The storms, which produced winds up to 105 mph, caused structural damage, uprooted trees, and left a path of destruction across several communities.
According to the NWS, the longest tornado track was in the Donegal area, spanning 7.7 miles across Fayette and Westmoreland counties. This tornado, with peak winds of 100 mph, snapped trees, damaged power poles, and caused structural damage to a carport and an RV trailer before dissipating near Donegal Lake.
In West Fairfield, a tornado with estimated peak winds of 100 mph traveled 1.69 miles, snapping hardwood trees and damaging a barn. Another tornado was confirmed in Rector, Westmoreland County, with 105 mph winds, mainly causing tree damage along Darlington Road, Fairview School Road, and Weller Road.
Indiana County also saw a tornado near Josephine, which produced 105 mph winds along a 1.21-mile path. The storm damaged barns, collapsed walls, and caused sporadic tree damage before dissipating.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported in any of the tornadoes. NWS officials continue to assess storm damage, and additional surveys are planned for Menallen Township in Fayette County. Residents are encouraged to remain alert as severe weather season continues.
