Alert archive / Pennsylvania / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 76, NWS State College, PA
NWS State College, PA issued this flash flood warning at Aug 27, 2026, 8:16 PM EDT for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was in force for 3 hr. 6 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Aug 27, 2026, 8:16 PM EDT (00:16 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 27, 2026, 11:15 PM EDT
- In force
- 3 hr
- Issued by
- NWS State College, PA
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
County Lancaster County, PA
The radar
The Philadelphia radar (KDIX), 149 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:16 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27, 8:21 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 Se Lititz, PA | High water reported on roadway. |
| Aug 27, 8:32 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | Ephrata, PA | Water on roads. |
| Aug 27, 8:51 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 N Akron, PA | Several feet of water in a residential basement on Hilldale Drive in Ephrata Township. |
| Aug 27, 9:06 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 2 Ne Ephrata, PA | High water on roadway near the intersection of Garden Spot Road and North Reading Road in Ephrata Township. |
| Aug 27, 9:09 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 1 Sw Ephrata, PA | High water on roadway. |
| Aug 27, 10:57 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 3 Ene Terre Hill, PA | Flooded roadway at the intersection of Laurel Road and Reading Road. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 6 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 5 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The nearest sounding before it
Washington/Dulle, VA (KIAD), launched 00:00Z, 0.3 hours before the alert went out and 176 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 1155 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -14 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1287 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 37 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 27 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 65 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.3
- Supercell composite
- 2.3
The text
As transmitted.
310
WGUS51 KCTP 280016
FFWCTP
PAC071-280315-
/O.NEW.KCTP.FF.W.0076.260828T0016Z-260828T0315Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service State College PA
816 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026
The National Weather Service in State College has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northern Lancaster County in south central Pennsylvania...
* Until 1115 PM EDT.
* At 816 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain
have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are
possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Ephrata, Lititz, Manheim, Akron, Denver, Reamstown, Rothsville,
Adamstown, Terre Hill, Churchtown, Bowmansville, Reinholds,
Fivepointville, Farmersville and Lancaster Airport.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 4011 7594 4014 7600 4010 7623 4014 7654
4018 7634 4024 7616 4029 7621 4030 7618
4031 7616 4032 7615 4021 7598 4014 7588
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
EvanegoWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS State College, PA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 27, 7:44 PM EDT, 32 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1) Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight 2) Flooding downpours possible this afternoon into tonight in the Lower Susquehanna Valley 3) Variable sky conditions for the lunar eclipse tonight
Area forecast discussion, Aug 27, 7:44 PM EDT, 32 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service State College PA 744 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... Thunderstorms have begun to develop in two areas of focus, ahead of the cold front in NW PA and along a stationary sfc trough in the southeast. && .KEY MESSAGES... 1) Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight 2) Flooding downpours possible this afternoon into tonight in the Lower Susquehanna Valley 3) Variable sky conditions for the lunar eclipse tonight && .DISCUSSION... KEY MESSAGE 1: Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon into tonight. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue to develop this afternoon ahead of a cold front across CPA and within a sfc pressure trough in the southeast. SPC has continued the level 2/5 (SLGT) severe t-storm risk which extends from the eastern slopes of the Allegheny Mtns eastward. MLCAPE of 1500 J/kg and 0-6 km shear near 30 kts in the north suggests a few low end supercells may develop. Weaker shear and stronger CAPE in the SE suggests more pulse cells to start, but storm motion from SW to NE is well aligned with the sfc pressure trough so upscale growth into one or more slow moving / training lines is likely as we head into this evening. The strongest cells and clusters will be capable of producing scattered damaging winds and at least isolated hail. Modestly curved low- level hodographs may also support some brief tornado potential. The severe threat should persist into the evening before storms weaken/exit the eastern part of the CWA. ------------------------------------------------------------- KEY MESSAGE 2: Flooding downpours possible this afternoon into tonight across portions of the Lower Susquehanna Valley A healthy influx of moisture via southwest flow will increase PWATs to 1.50-1.75" across the Lower Susquehanna Valley by this afternoon. CAMs suggest the heaviest 2-4+ inch rain amounts will remain east of the CWA, but still suggest local bullseyes of 1-2" in our southeastern zones along the weak pre frontal/lee sfc trough. A couple rounds of heavy t-storm downpours are possible with rain rates 1-2"/hr that could result in scattered areas of flash flooding. Based on the +RA signal in the hires ensembles and coordination with WFO PHI, a flash flood watch continues for Schuylkill, Lebanon, and Lancaster Counties. A drying trend is forecast Friday into the last weekend of August, thanks to high pressure building into the area behind the cold front. This will likely setup a couple of foggy mornings (Friday and Saturday). Rainfall looks fairly limited heading into the first week of September; however despite the start of meteorological Fall the summer is not over with temps expected to rise above the historical average into the 80-90 degree range. ------------------------------------------------------------- KEY MESSAGE 3: Variable sky conditions for the lunar eclipse tonight. Forecast viewing conditions for the lunar eclipse range from fair to poor tonight across central PA. The eclipse will begin at 10:34 pm EDT and last for about 3 hours, ending at 1:52 am EDT Friday. The worst view is most likely over the eastern half of CPA due to exiting storms and associated cloud cover. Clouds and low fog are also poised to develop in the NW during the latter half of the eclipse. The eclipse will take place during August's full moon, commonly referred to as the Sturgeon Moon. It will also be the last full moon of the summer with the next full moon set to rise a few nights after the autumnal (Fall) equinox on September 22nd. && .AVIATION /00Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... Main issue this evening will be showers and storms across the east at points like IPT, MDT, and LNS until late evening. Overall problem overnight will the formation of low clouds and fog. Expect conditions to improve to VFR during the day, as weak high pressure builds into the area. Outlook... Sat...AM Fog; otherwise VFR. Sun-Mon...Mainly VFR. Tue...Chc afternoon SHRA/TSRA. && .CTP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for PAZ058-059-066. && WHAT HAS CHANGED...Steinbugl/Colbert KEY MESSAGES...Steinbugl/Colbert DISCUSSION...Steinbugl/Colbert AVIATION...Martin
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 27, 3:53 PM EDT, 4 hours 23 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service State College PA 353 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026 PAZ005-010-011-017-024-033-280800- McKean-Elk-Cameron-Clearfield-Cambria-Somerset- 353 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and early this evening. Localized damaging wind gusts and hail may accompany these storms. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ012-018-019-026>028-035-036-041-042-045-046-049>053-056-057- 063>065-280800- Northern Clinton-Northern Centre-Southern Centre-Huntingdon-Mifflin- Juniata-Fulton-Franklin-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan-Southern Clinton- Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour-Northumberland-Columbia-Perry- Dauphin-Cumberland-Adams-York- 353 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 632 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov/StateCollege on the internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ006-025-034-037-280800- Potter-Blair-Bedford-Tioga- 353 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening. Localized damaging wind gusts and hail may accompany these storms. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ004-280800- Warren- 353 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. PAZ058-059-066-280800- Schuylkill-Lebanon-Lancaster- 353 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT FRIDAY... ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 632 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov/StateCollege on the internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. Martin
In the hours before
Local storm report, Aug 27, 7:30 PM EDT, 46 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service State College PA
730 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0720 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 SE Landisburg 40.32N 77.28W
08/27/2026 Perry PA Fire Dept/Rescue
Power lines down on road.
&&
ANKLocal storm report, Aug 27, 7:43 PM EDT, 33 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service State College PA
743 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0729 PM Flash Flood 2 W Cornwall 40.27N 76.44W
08/27/2026 Lebanon PA 911 Call Center
Water rescue.
&&
ANKLocal storm report, Aug 27, 7:45 PM EDT, 31 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service State College PA
745 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0725 PM Flash Flood 1 NE Cornwall 40.28N 76.40W
08/27/2026 Lebanon PA 911 Call Center
Tree down.
&&
ANKLocal storm report, Aug 27, 7:46 PM EDT, 30 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service State College PA
746 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0725 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 NE Cornwall 40.28N 76.40W
08/27/2026 Lebanon PA 911 Call Center
Tree down.
&&
ANKLocal storm report, Aug 27, 7:57 PM EDT, 19 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service State College PA
757 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0748 PM Hail 2 ESE Brickerville 40.22N 76.25W
08/27/2026 M0.50 Inch Lancaster PA Public
Pea to dime sized hail.
&&
ANKLocal storm report, Aug 27, 8:03 PM EDT, 13 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service State College PA
803 PM EDT Thu Aug 27 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0800 PM Hail 3 N Rothsville 40.19N 76.25W
08/27/2026 M0.50 Inch Lancaster PA Public
Half-inch hail.
&&
ANKThe office that day
Everything else NWS State College, PA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27, 8:05 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CTP | Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry | 3 hr |
| Aug 27, 8:17 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CTP | Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry | 43 min |
| Aug 27, 8:24 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | CTP | Lancaster | 21 min |
| Aug 27, 8:26 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CTP | Columbia, Montour | 64 min |
| Aug 27, 8:29 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CTP | Columbia, Montour | 3 hr |
| Aug 27, 8:42 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CTP | Dauphin, Lebanon | 3 hr |
| Aug 27, 9:09 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | CTP | Dauphin | 51 min |
| Aug 27, 9:41 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CTP | Dauphin, Lebanon | 106 min |
| Aug 27, 9:58 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | CTP | Lancaster | 90 min |
| Aug 27, 10:08 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | CTP | Lancaster, Lebanon | 67 min |
| Aug 27, 10:18 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | CTP | Lycoming, Sullivan | 4 hr |
| Aug 27, 10:24 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | CTP | Columbia, Lycoming, Sullivan | 4 hr |
| Aug 27, 11:11 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | CTP | Columbia, Montour | 3 hr |
| Aug 27, 11:14 PM EDT | Areal Flood Warning | CTP | Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon | 6 hr |
| Aug 28, 2:41 AM EDT | River Flood Warning | CTP | Lancaster | 14 hr |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in Pennsylvania, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.