PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA — A low pressure system moving through the Great Lakes region is driving a significant wind event across all of Pennsylvania Thursday, with peak gusts of 35 to 50 mph expected statewide during the primary wind window running from 10AM to 6PM as isolated to spotty power outages become possible across the hardest hit areas.
Northwestern Pennsylvania and Laurel Highlands Seeing Highest Gusts
The PA Weather Plus wind gust forecast shows the highest gusts of 40 to 50 mph concentrated across two zones Thursday. Northwestern Pennsylvania covering Warren, Meadville, Oil City, Mercer, and Clarion is forecast to see peak gusts of 40 to 50 mph with a few gusts potentially reaching 55 mph, with power outages expected in that corridor.
The Laurel Highlands zone covering Uniontown, Johnstown, Greensburg, and Washington is also forecast to reach 40 to 50 mph gusts with a few reaching 55 mph and power outages expected across that region as well.
Statewide 35 to 40 MPH Gusts With Spotty Power Outages Possible
The remainder of Pennsylvania including Pittsburgh, Altoona, State College, Harrisburg, Allentown, Philadelphia, Scranton, and Williamsport falls within the 35 to 40 mph gust zone, with a few gusts potentially reaching 45 mph and spotty power outages not ruled out across those communities during the 10AM to 6PM window.
Leafed out vegetation on trees increases the wind load and the potential for downed limbs and power lines compared to early spring wind events of similar intensity.
Unsecured Objects and Tree Limbs at Risk Across the State
Forecasters are urging Pennsylvania residents to secure outdoor furniture and unsecured objects before the peak wind window arrives Thursday morning. Tree limbs and unsecured items could be blown down and around across all areas of the state during the 10AM to 6PM peak timing regardless of whether thunderstorms develop.
Residents across northwestern Pennsylvania and the Laurel Highlands should be especially prepared for potential power outages Thursday afternoon.
Stay with GordonRamsayClub.com for the latest updates.
Leave a Reply