Alert archive / Pennsylvania / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2018

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 129, NWS Pittsburgh, PA

July 5, 2018Greene County, Washington County, Pennsylvania; Belmont County, Monroe County, Ohio; Marshall County, West Virginia

NWS Pittsburgh, PA issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 5, 2018, 6:09 PM EDT for Greene County, Washington County, Pennsylvania; Belmont County, Monroe County, Ohio; Marshall County, West Virginia. It was in force for 51 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jul 5, 2018, 6:09 PM EDT (22:09 UTC)
Expired
Jul 5, 2018, 7:00 PM EDT
In force
51 min
Issued by
NWS Pittsburgh, PA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
0.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Belmont County, OH, Monroe County, OH, Greene County, PA, Washington County, PA, Marshall County, WV

The radar

The Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 76 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:11 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Pittsburgh, PA (KAGC), launched 12:00Z, 10.2 hours before the alert went out and 70 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Pittsburgh, PA at 12:00Z on 2018-07-05Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1207 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Pittsburgh, PA at 12:00Z on 2018-07-05The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 23 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1207 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-53 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
888 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
9 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
23 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
56 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Pittsburgh, PA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Jul 5, 4:00 PM EDT, 2 hours 9 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 5, 4:00 PM EDT, 2 hours 9 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
400 PM EDT Thu Jul 5 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
A moist and unstable airmass will lead to widespread storms and
heavy rainfall through tonight, before the passage of a cold
front early Friday morning. Dry weather and seasonal
temperatures are expected over the weekend and into the
beginning of next week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY/...
17Z sounding reveals abundant moisture (PWAT 1.83") and
instability/DCAPE and a continued nebulous wind field, which
will favor wet downbursts as have been observed and tremendous
rainfall rates that could lead to flash flooding where training
storms occur. PoPs have been updated to reflect current trends,
which have favored renewing convection along outflow boundaries.
Occasional severe and flash flood events are being monitored.

Several foci for convective development remain apparent,
including a pre-frontal trough in nern OH (CLE to VES),
residual outflow boundaries (AFJ to PHD) and the terrain
(invof 2G4).

Previous discussion follows...

Instability used up by morning convection will be replenished
quickly as dry air advects ewd in association with an
approaching shortwave trough. Amid modestly-increasing shear,
steep lapse rates and abundant moisture, numerous, short-lived
storms are expected to form in this buoyant air mass.

PWAT this morning of 2.04" was in the top five PWATs at KPIT of
all time, indicating the atmosphere contains a highly-anomalous
amount of moisture. Given slow storm movement of initial
convection, flash flooding will be possible from any storms with
no area able to be ruled out. Therefore, the Flash Flood Watch
issued for the entire region will continue.

With high PWAT and high level of free sink, wet downbursts are a
high possibility with any deep convection, especially early on
in this convective event. CAMs suggest the potential for a
cluster of storms to organize into a bowing line segment later
this afternoon, with an associated damaging wind threat.

In short, severe weather and flash flooding are being monitored,
and our 17Z special sounding will reveal additional information.

As the shortwave trough moves across late tonight, and a cold
front advances swd, showers and storms may redevelop along and
ahead of the boundary, but with lesser intensity. PoPs reflect
an overnight increase in coverage, but net impact should be
lower after midnight.

Morning showers/storms on Fri will wane thru the day as the
front continues its swd movement. Clearing sky and building high
pressure will yield a general pleasant day by afternoon for most
areas.

&&

.SHORT TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
High pressure will build into the region by Fri evening,
scouring out moisture and providing widespread subsidence. As a
result, rapid clearing is anticipated Fri eve, and dry
conditions can be expected thru the weekend. Sat and Sun both
will feature seasonable warmth and general sun.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
After weekend high pressure, the H5 ridge will shift swwd, with
nwly mid-level flow becoming predominant. Moisture will return
to the region as shortwave troughs move progressively thru the
nwly flow. Chances for showers and thunderstorms will return to
the region as early as Tue and may persist daily thereafter.

&&

.AVIATION /20Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Axis of ongoing thunderstorms has shifted gradually southeast
this morning and will impact MGW/LBE through 18Z with localized
IFR conditions in heavy rain. Elsewhere, given the very moist
airmass in place, early cumulus bases are surprisingly low for
this time of day/year with MVFR conditions at FKL-DUJ, but
should improve with daytime heating.

Elsewhere, rapid destabilization per visibile satellite imagery
suggests that surface based thunderstorm development is imminent
BVI-FKL, and this expected activity is only likely to further
grow upscale in coverage quickly this afternoon, eventually
impacting ZZV-PIT-DUJ. VCTS mentions will gradually become
TSRA/+TSRA in amendments once scenario becomes more clear.
Localized IFR conditions likely in heavy downpours. A few
storms may become severe with high microburst potential and
frequent lightning in scattered/numerous cells initially, with
some models showing potential for upscale growth into one or
more line segments with larger threat for strong surface winds
along surging outflow.

Lingering MVFR conditions in the wake of convection will be
reinforced by an advancing cold front, which will arrive early
morning. Additional convection (mainly SHRA) will accompany the
boundary's passage before rapid clearing as high pressure
builds.

OUTLOOK...
High pressure is expected through the weekend, with little in
the way of restrictions expected. A general VFR forecast is
anticipated.

&&

.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Flash Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for MDZ001.
OH...Flash Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for OHZ039>041-
     048>050-057>059-068-069.
PA...Flash Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for PAZ007>009-
     013>016-020>023-029-031-073>076.
WV...Flash Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for WVZ001>004-
     012-021-509>514.

&&

Update...Kramar
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 5, 10:12 AM EDT, 7 hours 57 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
1012 AM EDT Thu Jul 5 2018

MDZ001-OHZ039>041-048>050-057>059-068-069-PAZ007>009-013-015-016-
WVZ012-021-509>514-061415-
Garrett-Tuscarawas-Carroll-Columbiana-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson-
Muskingum-Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Mercer-Venango-Forest-
Lawrence-Clarion-Wetzel-Marion-Monongalia-
Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston-
Eastern Preston-Western Tucker-Eastern Tucker-
1012 AM EDT Thu Jul 5 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western Maryland, east
central Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, west central Pennsylvania,
western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.

In addition, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon.
Storms will be capable of damaging wind gusts.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

PAZ014-020>023-029-031-073>076-WVZ001>004-061415-
Butler-Beaver-Allegheny-Armstrong-Indiana-Washington-Greene-
Westmoreland-Westmoreland Ridges-Fayette-Fayette Ridges-Hancock-
Brooke-Ohio-Marshall-
1012 AM EDT Thu Jul 5 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Pennsylvania, west
central Pennsylvania, western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia
and northern panhandle of West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.

In addition, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon.
Storms will be capable of damaging wind gusts.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

Kramar

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 5, 5:45 PM EDT, 24 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jul 5, 5:48 PM EDT, 21 minutes before
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Local storm report, Jul 5, 5:54 PM EDT, 15 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
554 PM EDT THU JUL 05 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0508 PM     TSTM WND DMG     CHANDLER                40.31N  80.80W
07/05/2018                   JEFFERSON          OH   911 CALL CENTER

            MULTIPLE TREES DOWN ALONG COUNTY ROAD 23

&&

EVENT NUMBER PBZ1803253

MF
Local storm report, Jul 5, 5:56 PM EDT, 13 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
556 PM EDT THU JUL 05 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0525 PM     TSTM WND DMG     MOUNT PLEASANT          40.18N  80.79W
07/05/2018                   JEFFERSON          OH   911 CALL CENTER

            MULTIPLE TREES DOWN IN MOUNT PLEASANT

&&

EVENT NUMBER PBZ1803254

MF
Special weather statement, Jul 5, 5:58 PM EDT, 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
558 PM EDT THU JUL 5 2018

OHZ041-052300-
Columbiana-
558 PM EDT THU JUL 5 2018

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING GUSTY WIND AND
HEAVY RAIN WILL AFFECT NORTHERN COLUMBIANA COUNTY...

At 557 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from 6 miles northeast of Hartville to near
Louisville. Movement was east at 25 mph.

Wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Salem...                          Columbiana...
Lisbon...                         Leetonia...
New Waterford...                  Hanoverton...
Rogers...                         North Georgetown...
Homeworth...                      Guilford Lake State Park...
New Garden...                     East Rochester...

Torrential rainfall also is occurring with these storms and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Seek safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

LAT...LON 4090 8082 4090 8052 4072 8068 4072 8092
      4073 8092 4073 8108 4090 8108 4090 8090
      4093 8089 4093 8082
TIME...MOT...LOC 2157Z 277DEG 23KT 4103 8125 4078 8121

TAX
Local storm report, Jul 5, 6:01 PM EDT, 8 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
601 PM EDT THU JUL 05 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0552 PM     TSTM WND DMG     ELM TERRACE             40.03N  80.66W
07/05/2018                   OHIO               WV   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            TREE AND WIRE DOWN ON HOUSE ALONG BRENTWOOD AVENUE

&&

EVENT NUMBER PBZ1803255

MF

The office that day

Everything else NWS Pittsburgh, PA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 4, 8:31 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZAllegheny44 min
Jul 4, 8:37 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningPBZAllegheny, Westmoreland113 min
Jul 4, 9:26 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZButler34 min
Jul 4, 10:43 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZAllegheny, Westmoreland4 hr
Jul 4, 11:08 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningPBZForest3 hr
Jul 5, 2:51 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZWestmoreland3 hr
Jul 5, 2:55 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZIndiana, Westmoreland3 hr
Jul 5, 4:10 AM EDTFlash Flood WatchPBZAllegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Fayette and 8 more19 hr
Jul 5, 4:18 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZIndiana3 hr
Jul 5, 5:32 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZArmstrong, Indiana3 hr
Jul 5, 5:40 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZAllegheny, Westmoreland94 min
Jul 5, 7:07 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningPBZAllegheny3 hr
Jul 5, 12:59 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZMercer31 min
Jul 5, 1:02 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZButler28 min
Jul 5, 1:31 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZBeaver29 min
Jul 5, 1:44 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZMercer31 min
Jul 5, 1:55 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZButler, Mercer, Venango35 min
Jul 5, 2:00 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZBeaver, Butler, Lawrence30 min
Jul 5, 2:39 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZBeaver36 min
Jul 5, 2:44 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZButler31 min
Jul 5, 2:50 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZJefferson55 min
Jul 5, 3:03 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZClarion73 min
Jul 5, 3:13 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZBeaver47 min
Jul 5, 3:34 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZBeaver, Washington41 min
Jul 5, 3:58 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZIndiana47 min
Jul 5, 5:04 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZWashington56 min
Jul 5, 5:32 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZGreene, Washington58 min
Jul 5, 5:37 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZMonroe, Noble3 hr
Jul 5, 11:49 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningPBZMonroe81 min
Jul 5, 3:28 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZCarroll, Jefferson47 min
Jul 5, 3:42 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZMuskingum48 min
Jul 5, 4:05 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZMuskingum40 min
Jul 5, 4:32 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZNoble28 min
Jul 5, 4:55 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZNoble35 min
Jul 5, 5:44 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZCarroll, Harrison, Tuscarawas46 min
Jul 5, 5:58 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZColumbiana62 min
Jul 5, 6:17 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPBZCarroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Tuscarawas43 min
Jul 5, 6:26 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningPBZBelmont2 hr
Jul 5, 3:15 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZTucker45 min
Jul 5, 4:58 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZOhio47 min
Jul 5, 6:00 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryPBZOhio2 hr
Jul 5, 6:26 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementPBZWetzel34 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Pennsylvania, 2018Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Ohio, 2018Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in West Virginia, 2018Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.