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Severe Thunderstorms Expected Overnight in Pittsburgh: What You Need to Know

infoman2020
infoman20200 mins read

 



Thunderstorms and Hail: The Current Situation

Pittsburgh residents should prepare for a potentially dangerous weather system moving through the region overnight. After Wednesday's warm front brought ping-pong ball-sized hail (1.5 inches in diameter) to parts of the area, a stronger system is now approaching from the west.

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh warns of a "fairly strong, convective thunderstorm line" expected to impact the region between midnight and 4 a.m. Thursday.


Key Threats Include:

  • Damaging winds up to 60 mph
  • Possible tornadoes, particularly in areas west of Pittsburgh
  • Additional hail that could match or exceed what fell on Wednesday

"Make sure that you have ways to receive alerts through these overnight hours," advised Jason Frazier, meteorologist with NWS Pittsburgh.


Preparing for Tonight's Severe Weather


Since the storms will arrive overnight when most people are sleeping, it's crucial to take these safety precautions:

  1. Keep your phone on and ensure emergency alerts are enabled
  2. Charge all devices before going to bed
  3. Sleep on lower floors away from windows if possible
  4. Have flashlights and batteries accessible in case of power outages

Weekend Flooding Concerns Intensify


After a relatively dry March, Pittsburgh is now forecast to receive rain every day through Sunday. This extended period of precipitation raises significant flooding concerns:

  • Creek overflows are possible by late weekend
  • The Ohio River could reach 20 feet at the Point by Monday or Tuesday
  • Mon Wharf parking lot and North Shore Riverwalk may flood

While flash flooding isn't the primary concern, the cumulative rainfall could lead to rising water levels, especially in flood-prone areas.


Regional Weather Alerts

The severe weather threat extends beyond Pittsburgh. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Ohio including:

  • Northeastern Logan County
  • Northwestern Union County
  • Hardin County
  • Northeastern Auglaize County

These warnings are in effect until 1:15 a.m. April 3, with storms moving northeast at 60 mph.


How to Stay Safe

The combination of overnight severe storms and extended rainfall creates multiple hazards for Pittsburgh residents. Here's how to protect yourself and your property:

For Tonight's Storms:

  • Enable emergency weather alerts on your phone
  • Keep devices charged
  • Have an emergency kit ready

For Weekend Flooding:

  • Clear storm drains near your property
  • Move vehicles from flood-prone areas
  • Check basement sump pumps

What Makes This Weather System Significant?

While spring storms are common in Pittsburgh, this particular weather pattern is notable for several reasons:

  1. The overnight timing makes the thunderstorms particularly dangerous
  2. Consecutive days of rainfall following a dry March increases flood risks
  3. The potential for river flooding by early next week

Expert Insights

According to meteorologist Jason Frazier, while individual storms may not produce catastrophic rainfall, the cumulative effect is concerning.

"The rain is not expected to be heavy enough to create flash flooding, but the cumulative effect could cause creeks around the area to flood later in the weekend and early next week," Frazier explained.


Stay Informed

For the latest weather updates:


Tags: Pittsburgh weather, severe thunderstorms, flooding risk, weather safety, Pittsburgh storms, NWS alerts, overnight storms, weekend forecast, Ohio River, spring storms