Erie, PA — Western Pennsylvania faces an early morning threat from fast-moving severe thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, prompting a watch through 7 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is active for extreme western portions of Pennsylvania, including Erie, Crawford, and Mercer counties. The system, moving quickly eastward from Ohio, is expected to impact the region with wind gusts up to 70 mph, frequent lightning, and the chance of a brief tornado, especially in areas closer to Lake Erie.
Communities such as Erie, Meadville, and Sharon are urged to stay alert and prepare for sudden changes in conditions. Wind damage to trees and power lines is possible, along with scattered outages and travel disruptions, especially along Interstate 79 and Route 6.
Lake-effect interactions could amplify local gusts near the shoreline, raising concerns for boaters and those living near coastal zones. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed via NOAA weather alerts or local emergency services.
While April storms are common, this system’s wind intensity and speed make it an unusual overnight threat for western Pennsylvania communities.
