State College, PA – The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are set to bring significant rainfall and the potential for isolated tornadoes to Pennsylvania on Friday, especially impacting the eastern half of the state. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch effective until 2:00 PM EDT today, covering much of Pennsylvania, including areas like State College, Harrisburg, and Scranton.
According to the National Weather Service, rainfall totals are expected to reach between 2.5 to 3.5 inches across central and eastern Pennsylvania, with isolated areas potentially seeing more than 4 inches. This heavy rain could lead to flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.
In addition to the rain, the storm system is expected to bring gusty winds, with isolated gusts reaching up to 60 MPH. The tornado watch warns of the possibility of a few tornadoes, although hail is not expected to be a significant concern.
Residents are urged to stay indoors during the peak of the storm, especially with the potential for tornadoes. The weather is expected to improve by Saturday, with forecasts predicting clearer skies and cooler temperatures in the upper 70s. The weekend outlook remains favorable, with sunshine dominating through Sunday, followed by a mix of sun and clouds heading into early next week. Temperatures will remain mild, ranging from the mid-70s to upper 70s through Thursday.