Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A potentially dangerous round of severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep across western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia late this afternoon and evening, with the greatest threat arriving between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary hazard, but large hail, isolated tornadoes and torrential rainfall could also accompany the strongest storms.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a cold front moving into the region has placed much of western Pennsylvania under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms. Forecasters say several storms could become significant, with the potential for wind gusts of at least 75 mph, hail up to 2 inches in diameter and isolated EF2-strength tornadoes. Storms are expected to develop ahead of the front before organizing into a line during the evening.
The highest threat includes Pittsburgh, Butler, New Castle, Mercer, Indiana, Latrobe, Washington, Wheeling, New Philadelphia and surrounding communities. The severe weather threat will spread from northwest to southeast, reaching areas near Cleveland between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., the Pittsburgh metro between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and portions of northern West Virginia between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects before storms arrive and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued, move immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Outdoor events should have a shelter plan in place before storms develop.
The severe weather threat will diminish later tonight after the cold front moves through, but additional watches and warnings are likely as storms intensify during the afternoon and evening.
