Severe storms with hail, wind or tornadoes could hit the Pittsburgh area today
Severe storms could move through the Pittsburgh area today with hail, wind and tornado threats in place for the region.
The National Weather Service said severe storms could hit between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
All of the Pittsburgh area, along with parts of eastern Ohio and the West Virginia panhandle are under an "enhanced" risk for severe weather, which means there is a higher confidence that severe storms could take place.
"Several severe storms could be significant," the NWS said, adding that "significant" is defined by wind gusts of at least 75 miles per hour, hail of at least two inches, or a tornado of at least an EF-2 category.
In addition to the hail, wind and tornado risks, the NWS has also issued a Flood Watch for parts of western Pennsylvania. The watch takes effect at 1 p.m. and is expected to remain in place through the evening.
"Rainfall rates could be between 3"-5" per hour," the NWS said.
A less intense second round of storms could move through the area after 7 p.m. Tuesday.
When it comes to the forecast today, highs will be the low 80s just briefly ahead of storms. Winds will be out of the southwest at around 15mph this afternoon, with gusts possibly getting over 30 mph at times this afternoon. Skies will be partly cloudy during the morning, but mostly cloudy to overcast this afternoon.
Looking ahead, the next good chance for rain comes next Monday and Tuesday. Up until then, humidity levels will be low and high temperatures seasonal.
It's the type of weather where your A/C units can take a couple of days off if you so choose, with it being cool enough to stay comfy with open windows instead of A/C.
