High Wind in Pennsylvania, October 1, 1998

A strong cold front plowed through northeastern Pennsylvania during the early afternoon hours on the 1st. A tightening pressure gradient produced by deepening low pressure over southern Ontario and Quebec produced a narrow band of strong gusty winds along and just behind the frontal zone. Sustained winds of 15 to 30 mph with isolated gusts over 50 mph buffeted the region during the midday and early afternoon period. Since northeastern Pennsylvania had experienced locally heavy rainfall during the previous 24 to 48 hours, the combination of high winds and water loading brought down trees and power lines over many sections. Most of the tree damage was concentrated over the higher terrain in the Poconos from Wayne county southward into Pike and extreme southern Lackawanna counties. Pennsylvania Power and Light Company estimated that five to ten thousand customers had their electrical service interrupted for at least a short time that afternoon. By late afternoon, winds began to subside as low pressure moved further away from the area.