ARKANSAS. REENA ROY, ABC NEWS, NEW YORK. Western Pennsylvania is bracing for a severe weather alert day, with significant threats emerging. We are currently experiencing the second wave of storms, with a third, potentially stronger round anticipated to hit during the evening commute. Damaging winds are the primary concern, following considerable downpours this morning. Additional heavy rainfall could exacerbate the risk of flooding. Furthermore, large hail and even isolated, brief tornadoes remain possibilities amidst this scattered risk of severe storms. As Wednesday progresses, moderate to heavy rain is moving through many eastern neighborhoods of Allegheny County, including areas from Harrison Township to Springdale, and between Penn Hills/North Braddock towards Murrysville. Downtown Pittsburgh is currently seeing lighter rain. A band of moderate rain from Washington County has somewhat dissipated, but even light, steady rain could create hazardous road conditions. Rain is expected to intensify again near Kittanning, extending along Route 422 into Indiana. For the early afternoon, strong to severe storms are most likely to impact areas north of Pittsburgh. While severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued closer to Cleveland and Erie, our region expects significant activity in the coming hours. A Tornado Watch is in effect just to our west, covering parts of Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia, and the National Weather Service may extend it into our viewing area this afternoon. Therefore, continued vigilance is crucial throughout this severe weather alert day. While the afternoon is warm, numerous storms are approaching before a significant change in the weather system. Around 1:30 p.m., isolated storms can be observed near New Castle and Franklin, all north of I-80. Some activity will move closer to the Route 422 corridor as we approach the evening commute. However, the period around 8:00 p.m. tonight is expected to be prime time for storm activity in and around Pittsburgh, with all forms of severe weather possible. Storm activity should mostly diminish by 10 p.m., followed by dropping temperatures, and even a few snowflakes could mix in overnight, though no accumulation is expected as the system exits. Looking at the 4-day forecast, temperatures will plummet from 74 degrees today to just 42 tomorrow, a significant shift. A rapid rebound is forecast for Friday with some isolated showers, while the St. Patrick’s Day weekend looks quiet and dry, albeit with a slight chill in the air for the downtown parade.
UPDATE: The National Weather Service has rescinded previous tornado warnings. However, a tornado watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. for Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Separately, the National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for Allegheny, Washington, and Greene counties on Wednesday. This warning for Allegheny and Washington was valid until 2:30 p.m., while for Greene, it extended until 2:15 p.m. For current information, refer to live coverage from Pittsburgh’s Action Weather in the video provided above. A severe thunderstorm showing potential for a tornado was detected over McDonald, approximately 8 miles northwest of Canonsburg, moving eastward at 40 mph. HAZARD…Tornado. SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT…Those without shelter face danger from flying debris. Mobile homes are at risk of damage or destruction. Roofs, windows, and vehicles could sustain damage, and tree damage is probable. For more details, consult the current weather alerts for your specific county and track storms in your area using the interactive radar. Locations under impact include… Pittsburgh, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, McKeesport, West Mifflin, Baldwin, Upper St. Clair, Scott Township, Wilkinsburg, Whitehall, Robinson Township, Munhall, Brentwood, Swissvale, Dormont, and Castle Shannon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Seek refuge in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, immediately move to the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris. Another severe thunderstorm with tornado potential was identified 5 miles northeast of Woodsfield, moving east at 55 mph. HAZARD…Tornado. SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT…Flying debris poses a risk to anyone caught without shelter. Mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed. Expect damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles, with tree damage likely. Locations impacted include… Moundsville, Powhatan Point, Glen Dale, Cameron, Beallsville, Clarington, Aleppo, Jerusalem, Wilson, Glen Easton, Grove Oak, Lone Oak, Beelers Station, Grand Vue Park, Rocklick, and Woodlands. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building, away from windows. If outside, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, proceed to the closest solid shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
UPDATE: The National Weather Service has now lifted the prior tornado warnings.
A tornado watch is still in effect until 8 p.m. for Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
The National Weather Service previously issued a tornado warning for Allegheny, Washington, and Greene counties earlier today.
This warning for Allegheny and Washington was valid until 2:30 p.m., while for Greene, it concluded at 2:15 p.m.
For continuous coverage, watch Pittsburgh’s Action Weather in the video provided above.
A severe thunderstorm with tornadic potential was identified over McDonald, approximately 8 miles northwest of Canonsburg, proceeding eastward at 40 mph.
HAZARD…Tornado.
SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT…Unsheltered individuals face extreme danger from flying debris. Mobile homes are subject to damage or destruction. Roofs, windows, and vehicles are likely to be damaged, and significant tree damage is anticipated.
Areas affected include… Pittsburgh, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, McKeesport, West Mifflin, Baldwin, Upper St. Clair, Scott Township, Wilkinsburg, Whitehall, Robinson Township, Munhall, Brentwood, Swissvale, Dormont, and Castle Shannon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of a robust structure, away from windows. If you are outside, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move immediately to the nearest sturdy shelter and shield yourself from any airborne debris.
Another severe thunderstorm with potential for a tornado was detected 5 miles northeast of Woodsfield, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD…Tornado.
SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT…Unsheltered individuals face extreme danger from flying debris. Mobile homes are subject to damage or destruction. Roofs, windows, and vehicles are likely to be damaged, and significant tree damage is anticipated.
Areas impacted include… Moundsville, Powhatan Point, Glen Dale, Cameron, Beallsville, Clarington, Aleppo, Jerusalem, Wilson, Glen Easton, Grove Oak, Lone Oak, Beelers Station, Grand Vue Park, Rocklick, and Woodlands.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building, staying clear of windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, find the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.