Harrisburg, Pa. – A wide swath of central and eastern Pennsylvania faces severe weather threats through 9 p.m. Tuesday as a powerful line of thunderstorms moves across the state.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (No. 481) is now in effect for 31 counties, including Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Allentown, and York. The storms may bring damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, hail, and heavy downpours capable of localized flooding.
Key areas at risk include Interstates 76, 78, 81, and 83, with fast-changing conditions likely through the afternoon commute. Emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay tuned to local alerts. In urban zones like Philadelphia and Allentown, rapid runoff could lead to water pooling on roadways during peak rain bands.
This is the first widespread severe thunderstorm watch across this region in over a month, adding urgency to today’s alert. Isolated power outages and tree damage are possible, especially in rural areas with saturated soils.
The thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 9 p.m., with updates possible if storms intensify or shift track.
