PENNSYLVANIA — Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of Pennsylvania on Friday, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts during the afternoon and evening hours, according to the National Weather Service‘s Storm Prediction Center.
Much of Pennsylvania has been placed under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather as a weather system moves through the Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Forecasters say scattered thunderstorms are expected to form as daytime heating combines with modest atmospheric instability. Some of these storms may organize into clusters and move eastward across the state, producing damaging straight-line winds capable of downing trees, damaging power lines and causing localized power outages.
The Storm Prediction Center also noted that isolated hail is possible in the strongest storms, although damaging winds remain the primary concern.
Cities including Philadelphia and other heavily populated areas of eastern Pennsylvania are included within the broader severe weather risk area. The threat is expected to be greatest from the afternoon through the evening before storms gradually weaken overnight.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive warnings should severe thunderstorms develop. Forecasters say conditions will remain favorable for scattered strong storms across portions of the state through Friday evening.
