URGENT: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Blanket Western PA
Severe Weather Alert: What You Need to Know About Today’s Storms in Western Pennsylvania
What’s Happening Right Now?
Today is a "Severe Weather Alert Day" for Western Pennsylvania. Think of it like a "heads up" from weather experts — they’re telling us to pay extra attention because two rounds of strong storms are expected to move through the area.
Key Takeaway: If you live in or near Pittsburgh and surrounding counties, keep an eye on the sky and your phone for alerts this afternoon and evening.
Current Alerts — The "Big Three"
Weather experts use different words for different levels of danger. Here’s what each one means in plain English:
1. Severe Thunderstorm Warning
This means: "It’s happening NOW or very soon — take action!"
- Active until: 4:30 PM for most counties, 4:15 PM for Washington & Greene
- Counties affected: Allegheny, Westmoreland, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Lawrence, Washington, Greene
- Major towns included: Pittsburgh, Penn Hills, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, Cranberry, Greensburg, Butler, Kittanning, Wheeling, Waynesburg, and many more (see full list below)
2. Severe Thunderstorm Watch
This means: "Conditions are right for bad storms — stay ready."
- Active until: 8:00 PM tonight
- Counties affected: All the warning counties PLUS Clarion, Fayette, Indiana, Mercer, Venango
3. Flood Watch
This means: "Heavy rain could cause flooding — be prepared."
- Active until: 8:00 AM Monday
- Counties affected: Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland (PA) + Monongalia & Preston (WV) + Garrett (MD)
- Why it matters: Rain could fall at 2 inches per hour — that’s like dumping a big bucket of water on the same spot over and over. Roads, creeks, and low areas could flood fast.
Full List of Towns Under the Warning
Important: If you see your town below, stay indoors and avoid travel until the warning expires.
Until 4:30 PM:
- Pittsburgh (including North Side)
- Penn Hills, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, Ross Township, McCandless Township
- Monroeville, Cranberry, Greensburg, McKeesport, Butler
- Franklin Park, Jeannette, Vandergrift, Kittanning, Apollo
- Shaler Township, Plum, West Mifflin
Until 4:15 PM (Washington & Greene Counties):
- Wheeling, Moundsville, Martins Ferry, New Martinsville, Bellaire
- Waynesburg, Warwood, Bethlehem, Mannington, West Liberty
- Triadelphia, Clearview, Valley Grove, Shadyside, McMechen
- Powhatan Point, Glen Dale, Jefferson Boro
- Also: Evans City, Mars, Nixon, Callery
Timeline — What to Expect & When
| Time | What’s Happening | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Now – 2 PM | Break in the rain (a "lull") | Check alerts, charge phone, bring pets inside |
| After 2 PM | Round 2 begins — broken line of storms moves in | Stay inside! This is the main severe window |
| 2 PM – 9 PM | Highest risk for damaging winds, heavy rain, brief tornado | Monitor warnings, avoid windows, have shelter plan |
| By 9 PM | Severe threat ends | Still watch for flooding overnight |
| Until 8 AM Monday | Flood Watch continues | Don’t drive through standing water |
The Three Main Threats (In Order of Concern)
1. Flash Flooding — #1 Risk
- Rain falling up to 2 inches per hour
- Areas that got hit earlier today are most at risk (ground already soaked)
- Never drive through flooded roads — just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, 12 inches can float a car!
2. Damaging Winds — Primary Severe Threat
- Gusts strong enough to snap tree limbs, knock out power, damage roofs
- Stay away from windows during the worst of it
3. Brief Tornado — Low Chance, But Possible
- "Cannot be ruled out" = small chance, but not zero
- If a Tornado Warning is issued: go to basement or interior room on lowest floor, no windows
Your 5-Step Safety Checklist
- Enable alerts on your phone (Weather app, Wireless Emergency Alerts)
- Charge devices now — power outages are likely
- Secure outdoor items (trash cans, furniture, grills) before 2 PM
- Know your safe spot — basement > interior room > hallway (no windows)
- Check on neighbors — especially elderly or those with medical needs
CALL OUT: NEVER DO THIS
- Drive through flooded roads ("Turn Around, Don’t Drown")
- Stand near windows during severe storms
- Use candles during power outages (fire risk — use flashlights)
- Go outside to "watch the storm"
- Ignore warnings because "it doesn’t look that bad"
Summary — The TL;DR
- Two storm rounds today — the dangerous one starts after 2 PM
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning active now until 4:30 PM for Pittsburgh metro + many counties
- Watch continues until 8 PM — more storms could form
- Flood Watch until 8 AM Monday — heavy rain on wet ground = flooding risk
- Main dangers: Flash floods → damaging winds → brief tornado (low chance)
- Be indoors by 2 PM, stay alert until 9 PM, watch for flooding overnight
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s the difference between a Watch and a Warning?
A: Think of it like baking cookies:
- Watch = "We have all the ingredients out — cookies could happen soon." (Be ready)
- Warning = "The cookies are IN THE OVEN — they’re baking RIGHT NOW." (Take action!)
Q: My town isn’t on the list, but it’s nearby. Am I safe?
A: Storms don’t follow county lines. If you’re near a warned area, treat it like you’re in it. Radar can change fast — stay alert regardless.
Q: How will I know if a Tornado Warning is issued?
A: Your phone will scream at you (Wireless Emergency Alerts). Also: weather radio, TV crawl, weather app push notifications. Don’t disable these alerts today.
Q: The rain stopped — can I go outside now?
A: Not yet. The lull before 2 PM is temporary. Round 2 is the dangerous one. Wait until after 9 PM when the severe threat officially ends.
Q: What if I’m driving when a warning hits?
A: Pull over safely (parking lot, rest area — not under trees!). Stay in the car if no building is close. Never park under highway overpasses (wind tunnel danger). If flooding: abandon car, get to higher ground.
Stay Informed
- National Weather Service Pittsburgh: weather.gov/pbz
- Local TV: WTAE, KDKA, WPXI (all have weather apps)
- Ready.gov — for emergency kit checklists
Remember: Weather alerts exist to give you time — time to prepare, time to shelter, time to stay safe. Use that time wisely today. Stay safe, Western PA!