Residents across central Pennsylvania are being urged to prepare for potentially dangerous weather today and tonight as forecasters warn that severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds and possible tornadoes to the region.
The National Weather Service in State College said the storms are expected to develop ahead of a strong cold front moving across the state. The system could produce widespread damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, particularly across south-central Pennsylvania.
Gusty winds are expected to begin increasing late Sunday. A wind advisory has already been issued for parts of the Laurel Highlands and the Northern Mountains, where southwest winds could gust between 30 and 45 mph. Scattered rain showers are also expected overnight.
The main threat is expected to arrive Monday afternoon and evening as a line of thunderstorms moves across the region. Forecasters say damaging winds are likely to be the primary hazard, with the most intense conditions expected between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service says tornadoes are also possible, including storms that could reach EF-2 intensity. Tornadoes in that category can generate winds between 111 and 135 mph. Central Pennsylvania faces roughly a 10% to 14% chance of tornado development during the storm event, including a higher-than-average possibility of an EF-2 tornado.
The storms are expected to hit south-central Pennsylvania the hardest as the cold front pushes eastward. Meteorologists say embedded tornadoes could develop within the line of storms, particularly as winds shift from southeasterly to westerly with the arrival of the front.
Rainfall could also be significant in some areas. Forecasters expect totals exceeding one inch along and east of Interstate 99, with localized amounts approaching two inches possible in counties such as Schuylkill and Sullivan.
Weather officials noted that the current outlook places central Pennsylvania in what is known as an “enhanced risk” category for severe weather. That level of risk is relatively uncommon in the state and typically occurs only a handful of times each year.
Emergency officials are encouraging residents to monitor weather updates closely and be prepared to act quickly if warnings are issued. The National Weather Service advises residents to have multiple ways to receive alerts, including weather radios, smartphone notifications, and local media.
Source: National Weather Service, PennLive