PENNSYLVANIA — Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected across portions of Pennsylvania Saturday afternoon and evening, with the greatest risk concentrated over northwestern and northern Pennsylvania as a cold front moves through the region. Forecasters highlight the potential for wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, quarter-sized hail, and a non-zero risk for a spin-up tornado within the highest-risk zone.
Thicker wildfire smoke, morning convection, and cloud cover are expected to limit the severe risk across central and eastern Pennsylvania, creating a complicated setup with numerous boom or bust scenarios throughout the day.
Zone 3 Carries Highest Risk Across Northwestern Pennsylvania
Zone 3 covers a numerous 50 to 70 percent chance for strong to severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening, spanning Erie, Edinboro, Meadville, and Mercer in northwestern Pennsylvania. The greatest risk includes wind gusts upwards of 70 mph, quarter-sized hail, and a non-zero risk for a brief tornado.
Long-lived wind segments within this zone may have the potential to produce significant straight-line wind damage, making this the most concerning area of the state heading into Saturday afternoon.
Zone 2 Spans Two Separate Regions With Damaging Wind Risk
Zone 2 carries a scattered 30 to 50 percent chance for severe storms, covering areas near Pittsburgh, Washington, and Johnstown in the west, along with a separate stretch from Harrisburg through Lancaster, Reading, and Philadelphia in the southeast. Damaging wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph and quarter-sized hail are the primary concerns…