Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Residents across western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia should prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding throughout Thursday afternoon and evening. Showers and thunderstorms, increasing in coverage by midday, are expected to bring downpours to already saturated grounds.
According to the US National Weather Service Pittsburgh, a Level 2 “Slight Risk” of excessive rainfall is in effect. This means there is at least a 15% probability of rapid onset flooding within 25 miles of a given point. The primary threat window for both heavy rain and isolated damaging wind gusts is from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Cities like Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Washington in Pennsylvania, along with Morgantown and Wheeling in West Virginia, are within the primary risk areas. Heavy downpours could quickly lead to water over roadways and in low-lying areas. Travelers should exercise extreme caution, especially on routes prone to flooding. Localized damaging winds also remain a possibility.
Officials advise monitoring local conditions and having multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Avoid driving through flooded roads, as even shallow water can hide dangerous conditions. This event marks the first significant flooding potential for parts of the region this season, making vigilance crucial.
Warnings and advisories are expected to remain in effect through Thursday evening. Residents should stay updated on the latest information from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.
