PENNSYLVANIA — Parts of Pennsylvania are under an isolated tornado threat Saturday as the Storm Prediction Center includes much of the state in its latest Day 1 Tornado Outlook.
The SPC places portions of western, central and eastern Pennsylvania within a 2% tornado risk area through early Sunday morning. While the overall tornado threat remains low, forecasters say atmospheric conditions could support isolated tornado development as strong thunderstorms move across the region.
Major Pennsylvania population centers included in the tornado risk area include Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. The tornado threat is part of a broader severe weather outlook covering the Upper Ohio Valley and extending into the Northeast.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, multiple clusters of thunderstorms are expected to develop and intensify throughout the afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary hazard, but isolated large hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.
Forecasters noted that ongoing thunderstorms stretching from Ohio into Pennsylvania could strengthen as the day progresses. If enough sunshine develops and storms become more organized, a more widespread damaging wind event could occur across portions of Pennsylvania later Saturday.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor forecasts and weather alerts throughout the day, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when severe weather potential is expected to increase.
The severe weather threat is forecast to continue into Saturday night before gradually shifting eastward.
