Severe thunderstorm watch issued as storms approach Pittsburgh region
Jul. 29—Damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes are possible with storms expected to reach southwestern Pennsylvania this afternoon, a National Weather Service meteorologist said.
The service issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 3:30 p.m. that runs until 10 p.m., meteorologist Lee Hendricks said.
The watch covers a swath from Indiana through Ohio and northern West Virginia into Pennsylvania, along with parts of Kentucky.
Strong storms were developing over eastern Ohio and pushing toward parts of the region, Hendricks said. Forecasters were watching for more developing to the north and moving into the Pittsburgh and tri-state region.
Damaging winds are the main concern, with some hail possible, he said.
One band of showers and thunderstorms had already moved through the area, producing a potential tornado along the border of Fayette and Westmoreland counties. While there were reports of damage, a tornado had not yet been confirmed.
Once the storms pass, meteorologist John Darnley said the weather is expected to get less humid. Temperatures will cool down to slightly below normal, with highs in the upper 70s; normal highs are around 82 at this time of year.
The cooler weather is expected to last for a week, he said.
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@triblive.com or via Twitter .
