Severe storms were expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts to Pittsburgh on July 21, with the possibility of flooding in some areas.
A low pressure system was moving through the Great Lakes on the morning of July 21 while two thunderstorm systems were moving through the Midwest and Great Lakes, according to the National Weather Service. Those systems were expected to cause showers and thunderstorms across the Ohio River Valley on July 21 afternoon and evening, with the chance of damaging wind gusts and flooding across much of the region.
Here’s what to know about the kind of storms Pittsburgh could see.
Will Pittsburgh see severe weather today?
Pittsburgh had a high chance of seeing bad weather on Tuesday, July 21, with a 50% chance of rain during the day and a 60% chance of rain during the evening, according to NWS. Thunderstorms were most likely between noon and 8 p.m.
The biggest threat posed by the storms was damaging wind gusts, which could reach speeds up to 29 mph, though there was still the possibility that tornadoes could form and that large hail could fall. The storms were also expected to bring heavy rainfall and could linger into the morning of July 22 ahead of a cold front.
Is Pittsburgh under a flood watch?
Multiple locations throughout Central Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, were under a flood watch on July 21. The flood watch was set to take effect at 1 p.m. and to last through the evening to 11 p.m.
With storms coming through the area and the possibility of rainfall totals between two and four inches, excessive runoff may cause rivers, creeks, streams and other floor-prone areas to flood, according to NWS…