Wind Advisory, Severe Thunderstorms Strike Western PA and WV
A severe storm system brought 60 mph wind gusts to dozens of communities in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia on Thursday, with warnings and advisories lasting into the evening.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA — The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh issued several severe thunderstorm warnings and a wind advisory Thursday as a fast-moving storm system swept through southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia, bringing 60 mph wind gusts and risks of structural damage to many communities.
Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Through Region Before Dawn
Beginning at 5:09 a.m. EDT, the National Weather Service issued the first of several severe thunderstorm warnings as radar detected a storm near Mannington, West Virginia, moving east at 60 mph. Warnings followed at 5:15 a.m., 5:21 a.m., 5:31 a.m., and 5:48 a.m. EDT, tracking the storm’s eastward progress.
The warnings covered South Central Fayette County and Southeastern Greene County in southwestern Pennsylvania, along with Northwestern Preston County, Marion County, Monongalia County, and Southeastern Wetzel County in northern West Virginia. All warnings expired at 6:00 a.m. EDT.
The primary hazard from the thunderstorms was 60 mph wind gusts, detected by radar. The National Weather Service warned residents to expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees across affected areas.
Communities placed under the severe thunderstorm warnings included Morgantown, Fairmont, Westover, Kingwood, Mannington, Star City, Pleasant Valley, Winfield, Barrackville, Point Marion, Monongah, Granville, Fairview, Cassville, Brookhaven, Rivesville, Grant Town, Reedsville, Masontown, Farmington, Albright, Cheat Lake, Laurel Run, Gladesville, and Browns Chapel.
Wind Advisory Remains in Effect Through Thursday Evening
Separate from the morning thunderstorm activity, the National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory covering the higher elevations of Fayette and Westmoreland Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Preston County, the ridges of Eastern Monongalia, Eastern Preston, Northwestern Preston, and Western Tucker Counties in West Virginia. The advisory runs until 6:00 p.m. EDT Thursday.
Forecasters expect west winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts reaching up to 50 mph throughout the day. The advisory was first issued Wednesday evening at 7:26 p.m. EDT and was updated Thursday morning.
What Residents Should Expect
The National Weather Service cautioned that gusty winds could blow around unsecured outdoor objects and knock down tree limbs. Forecasters said a few power outages may result from the sustained wind event.
Residents in the affected counties are advised to secure loose items outside their homes and use caution while driving, particularly on elevated roadways and mountain ridges, where winds are expected to be strongest through the remainder of Thursday afternoon.
