Residents across Harrisburg, York and several communities in central Pennsylvania were urged to remain alert late Saturday after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Special Weather Statement.
NWS regularly issues Special Weather Statements to highlight hazardous conditions that may not yet meet warning criteria but still pose risks to life and property.
The warning highlighted strong thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts of up to 40 mph, torrential rainfall and localized flooding. The advisory remained in effect until 11:30 pm EDT.
According to the NWS, Doppler radar detected a line of strong thunderstorms stretching from near Carlisle to Hanover at 10:39 p.m. EDT. The storms were moving northeast at about 30 mph, bringing gusty winds and heavy downpours across parts of Dauphin, Cumberland, Adams, York and Lancaster counties.
The weather agency warned that the strongest storms could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured outdoor objects.
Harrisburg, York among areas under weather alert
The Special Weather Statement includes Harrisburg, York, Colonial Park, Lower Allen, Hanover, Mechanicsburg, Middletown, Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Red Lion, Elizabethtown, Dallastown, Linglestown, Enola, Steelton, Lemoyne, Spry, Progress, Hummelstown and Weigelstown.
{{/usCountry}}The Special Weather Statement includes Harrisburg, York, Colonial Park, Lower Allen, Hanover, Mechanicsburg, Middletown, Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Red Lion, Elizabethtown, Dallastown, Linglestown, Enola, Steelton, Lemoyne, Spry, Progress, Hummelstown and Weigelstown.
{{/usCountry}}Officials had urged residents outdoors to move into a sturdy building until the storm passed.
The NWS also cautioned drivers against driving through flooded roads, noting that heavy rainfall could quickly cause ponding of water and localized flooding in low-lying areas.
The agency stated, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
The map shared by NWS, it listed 40 mph wind gusts as the primary threat and noted that no hail was expected.
Heavy rain expected before storms move out
Local forecasts indicate the unsettled weather will continue overnight before gradually shifting east.
According to ABC27 Weather, central Pennsylvania experienced a relatively pleasant afternoon with breaks of sunshine, but conditions deteriorated rapidly after sunset as thunderstorms developed across the region.
Weather forecasters have said that lightning and gusty winds will continue tracking east overnight. The storm will exit eastern Pennsylvania well before daybreak.
The station warned that heavy rainfall could leave standing water on roads and create difficult driving conditions during the overnight hours.