Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Pittsburgh, Western PA

PITTSBURGH, PA —The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Pittsburgh, Western and Central Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The watch is in effect until 10 p.m.

Storms that develop have the potential to pack 70 mph wind gusts, ping pong-sized hail and dangerous lightning, the weather service says.

Isolated tornadoes are a secondary threat.

A few isolated thunderstorms could form as early as 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., but the best time period for widespread thunderstorm activity is from 9p.m. tonight to 3 a.m. Saturday.

Storms also are possible on Saturday, with wind gusts potentially exceeding 40 mph. Small hail also could occur.

A tornado warning was issued at around 3 p.m. for portions of Washington and Greene counties south of Pittsburgh.