HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — If you have plans to be outside anywhere in Pennsylvania today, forecasters want you to stop and pay close attention first.
Multiple storm systems are targeting the state on Monday, August 10, bringing the threat of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and large hail to millions of residents — from Pittsburgh in the west all the way to Philadelphia in the east.
South-central Pennsylvania has already seen strong storms move through this morning. More are on the way.
Most of Pennsylvania Is in the Highest Risk Zone
The bulk of the state — including Pittsburgh, Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, State College, and Philadelphia — falls inside a Zone 2 scattered risk area. That means a 30 to 50 percent chance of strong to severe thunderstorms.
The primary threats in this zone are wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph and quarter-sized hail. That is enough wind to take down trees, snap power lines, and cause serious property damage in a matter of minutes.
The tornado risk is listed as near zero percent, but the wind and hail threat alone is significant.
Northern Pennsylvania Faces a Threat Too
Communities across the northern tier are not out of the picture. Areas including Scranton, Warren, Towanda, Wellsboro, Montrose, and Coudersport fall within a Zone 1 isolated risk area, carrying a 10 to 30 percent chance of strong storms.
Wind gusts of 45 to 60 mph and some hail are possible in this zone as well.
Storms Could Hit More Than Once Today
This is not a single system moving through and clearing out. Forecasters warn that some locations could experience multiple rounds of severe weather throughout the day.
A second round of storms is possible later in the afternoon. Conditions could change quickly, even in areas that feel calm right now.
What Pennsylvania Residents Should Do Right Now
Enable severe weather alerts on your phone before you do anything else today. Know where your nearest indoor shelter is. If you are driving, stay aware of rapidly changing conditions and pull over safely if visibility drops.
Do not wait for the sky to look threatening before you act. Severe weather can develop fast.
Have storms already hit your area today? Drop a comment below — your update could help a neighbor stay one step ahead.