Alert archive / Pennsylvania / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 55, NWS Pittsburgh, PA
NWS Pittsburgh, PA issued this tornado warning at Aug 16, 2026, 4:34 PM EDT for Indiana County, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It was in force for 26 min. 1 report 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 16, 2026, 4:34 PM EDT (20:34 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 16, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
- In force
- 26 min
- Issued by
- NWS Pittsburgh, PA
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.0 in
Counties Indiana County, PA, Westmoreland County, PA
The radar
The Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 94 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:35 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 16, 4:37 PM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | Blairsville, PA | Report of a tree down blocking lanes near the intersection of N Walnut St and Maple Ave. Time estimated from radar. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.
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 watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 1:05 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 9 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Pittsburgh, PA (KPIT), launched 12:00Z, 8.6 hours before the alert went out and 82 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
- 51 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -19 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 636 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 16 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 49 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 31 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
829
WFUS51 KPBZ 162034
TORPBZ
PAC063-129-162100-
/O.NEW.KPBZ.TO.W.0055.260816T2034Z-260816T2100Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
434 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
East Central Westmoreland County in southwestern Pennsylvania...
South Central Indiana County in west central Pennsylvania...
* Until 500 PM EDT.
* At 434 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Derry, or 7 miles northeast of Latrobe, moving
east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
* Locations impacted include...
Blairsville, Derry, Ligonier, New Florence, Seward, Bolivar and
Loyalhanna Gorge.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 4026 7935 4045 7931 4041 7897 4034 7901
4034 7902 4028 7906 4023 7910 4021 7911
TIME...MOT...LOC 2033Z 276DEG 40KT 4036 7928
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Kramar1 follow-up statement
680
WWUS51 KPBZ 162100
SVSPBZ
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
500 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
PAC063-129-162110-
/O.EXP.KPBZ.TO.W.0055.000000T0000Z-260816T2100Z/
Indiana PA-Westmoreland PA-
500 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
...TORNADO WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR EAST CENTRAL WESTMORELAND AND
SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA COUNTIES...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
Therefore, the warning has been allowed to expire. To report severe
weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send
your report to the National Weather Service office.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
portions of southwest and west central Pennsylvania.
&&
LAT...LON 4026 7935 4045 7931 4041 7897 4034 7901
4034 7902 4028 7906 4023 7910 4021 7911
TIME...MOT...LOC 2034Z 276DEG 40KT 4036 7926
$$
KramarWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this tornado 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 tornado warning went out at Aug 16, 12:50 PM EDT, 3 hours 44 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1)Severe weather and flash flooding risks continue this afternoon and evening with renewed thunderstorm development. 2) After lingering showers dissipate Monday, there is fairly high confidence in dry weather until Wednesday/Thursday, when the next front arrives.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 16, 12:50 PM EDT, 3 hours 44 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
1250 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
There is higher confidence in the potential for severe
thunderstorms this afternoon, given clearing skies to the west
allowing for increased instability. Beyond this evening, little
change was made to the forecast.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
1)Severe weather and flash flooding risks continue this
afternoon and evening with renewed thunderstorm development.
2) After lingering showers dissipate Monday, there is fairly
high confidence in dry weather until Wednesday/Thursday, when
the next front arrives.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...
The region remains in a relative lull of activity between
overnight/early morning activity and developing convection to
the west, where a couple of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are
already in effect. The new activity is associated with a vort
max/MCV over northwest Ohio. Ahead of this, a good deal of
sunshine is allowing for a buildup of instability, and the HREF
suggests that 1500-2500 J/kg of surface-based CAPE is likely by
18Z, mainly south of I-80. Other convective parameters look best
from I-80 on south, roughly matching with the SPC Slight Risk
area. In particular, a pocket of 25-30 knots of 0-6km shear is
most likely in this region, supporting multicells with mainly a
damaging gust potential where cold pools help consolidate into
short lines. Lengthening low-level hodographs and sufficient
0-1km SRH continue to suggest a low-end tornado threat for any
ESE-moving storms.
Along with this the threat of flash flooding will continue to be
monitored, especially in areas that got heavier rain overnight.
This includes areas in eastern Ohio south of I-70, as well as a
strip extending from New Philadelphia ENE towards Butler County.
Although storms should be fairly progressive overall, the
environment remains highly supportive for efficient rainfall
production. The 12Z KPIT sounding recorded a precipitable water
measurement of 2.15 inches, which is the 9th-highest recorded
at the site since 1952. 2+ inch values remain in place through
this evening, along with 11k to 13k warm-cloud depths. The Flood
Watch will be maintained through tonight.
KEY MESSAGE 2...
Most of the convection should pull off to the east by 02Z-03Z,
although a few showers/storms may linger behind the main line as
another shortwave trough crosses in the mid-level zonal flow.
One last ripple in that flow crosses on Monday, leading to
showers and storms mainly south of Pittsburgh. Convective
parameters are unfavorable for severe weather with this
activity. Also, declining precipitable water values point to a
decreasing risk for heavy rainfall. The Flood Watch expires at 8
AM Monday, and an extension may not be needed.
High pressure building in from the Great Lakes should end
precipitation by Mon evening. Dry weather is then favored until
Wednesday, when the next front could potentially arrive,
although this timing could change. At this time, severe weather
and flooding risks appear low with this system, as supported by
longer-range machine learning guidance.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Mainly MVFR cigs continue this afternoon ahead of an approaching
prefrontal trough. A broken line of thunderstorms is expected to
track east across the region this afternoon and evening along
the prefrontal trough, with IFR restrictions. Some storms could
contain damaging wind and heavy rainfall. Included a tempo
mention in the tafs for the most likely time of arrival. Expect
a gradual deterioration back to IFR tonight with low level
moisture in place.
The surface cold front is progged to track across the region
Monday. Expect a gradual improvement in cig heights through the
day with mixing and some dry advection after FROPA. Airports
from near PIT and south could see a few afternoon showers or a
thunderstorm as this front crosses.
Outlook...
Other than early morning fog, VFR is then expected through
early Wednesday under high pressure. Restriction and
shower/thunderstorm chances return Wednesday and Wednesday night
with the approach and passage of a cold front. VFR returns
Thursday and Friday under high pressure.
&&
.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Flood Watch through Monday morning for PAZ020-021-029-031-
073>076.
OH...Flood Watch through Monday morning for OHZ039>041-048>050-
057>059-068-069.
WV...Flood Watch through Monday morning for WVZ001>004-012-021-
509>514.
&&
DISCUSSION...CL
AVIATION...WMHazardous weather outlook, Aug 16, 3:51 PM EDT, 43 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA 351 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026 PAZ020-021-029-031-073>076-WVZ021-509>514-172000- Beaver-Allegheny-Washington-Greene-Westmoreland- Higher Elevations of Westmoreland-Fayette- Higher Elevations of Fayette-Marion-Monongalia- Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston- Eastern Preston-Western Tucker-Eastern Tucker- 351 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 586 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Pennsylvania, western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. A few showers and thunderstorms could produce some heavy rainfall on Monday morning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. PAZ007>009-013>016-022-077-078-172000- Mercer-Venango-Forest-Lawrence-Butler-Clarion-Jefferson PA-Armstrong- Indiana-Higher Elevations of Indiana- 351 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 586 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. A few showers and thunderstorms could produce some heavy rainfall on Monday morning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. OHZ039>041-048>050-057>059-068-069-WVZ001>004-012-172000- Tuscarawas-Carroll-Columbiana-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson OH- Muskingum-Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Hancock-Brooke-Ohio-Marshall- Wetzel- 351 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Ohio, and northern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. A few showers and thunderstorms could produce some heavy rainfall on Monday morning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. CL
In the hours before
Local storm report, Aug 16, 3:05 PM EDT, 1 hour 29 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
305 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0250 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Quaker City 39.97N 81.30W
08/16/2026 Guernsey OH Trained Spotter
Power lines down. Also measured 1.75 inches
of rain.
&&
WMLocal storm report, Aug 16, 3:29 PM EDT, 1 hour 5 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
329 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0259 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 W Weirton 40.40N 80.60W
08/16/2026 Hancock WV Trained Spotter
trees down.
&&
98Local storm report, Aug 16, 3:33 PM EDT, 1 hour 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
333 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0330 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 SW Evans City 40.75N 80.09W
08/16/2026 Butler PA 911 Call Center
Tree down on power lines.
&&
WMLocal storm report, Aug 16, 3:35 PM EDT, 59 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
335 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0331 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Zelienople 40.79N 80.15W
08/16/2026 Butler PA 911 Call Center
Trees down on power lines.
&&
WMLocal storm report, Aug 16, 3:49 PM EDT, 45 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
349 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0348 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Butler 40.86N 79.89W
08/16/2026 Butler PA 911 Call Center
Trees down on power lines.
&&
WMLocal storm report, Aug 16, 4:03 PM EDT, 31 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
403 PM EDT Sun Aug 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0205 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 W Dellroy 40.56N 81.23W
08/16/2026 Carroll OH Emergency Mngr
down trees.
&&
98The office that day
Everything else NWS Pittsburgh, PA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 2:30 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Beaver, Lawrence, Washington | 45 min |
| Aug 16, 3:00 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | PBZ | Beaver | 18 min |
| Aug 16, 3:05 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Washington | 40 min |
| Aug 16, 3:22 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | PBZ | Beaver, Butler | 23 min |
| Aug 16, 3:25 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Greene, Washington | 50 min |
| Aug 16, 3:41 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Westmoreland | 49 min |
| Aug 16, 4:05 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Fayette, Greene | 40 min |
| Aug 16, 4:15 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | PBZ | Washington | 5 hr |
| Aug 16, 4:15 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Armstrong, Butler, Indiana, Westmoreland | 45 min |
| Aug 16, 4:40 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Fayette, Westmoreland | 20 min |
| Aug 16, 4:44 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PBZ | Fayette | 16 min |
| Aug 16, 6:39 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | PBZ | Clarion, Venango | 5 hr |
| Aug 16, 7:17 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | PBZ | Clarion, Jefferson | 3 hr |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Pennsylvania, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes 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.