High Wind in Pennsylvania, March 9 to 10, 2002

Name: High Wind in Pennsylvania, March 9 to 10, 2002
Start: 2002-03-09T19:30
End: 2002-03-10T05:00
Location: Pennsylvania

March 9 to 10, 2002 · NWS CTP · 36 events in 36 counties and zones

36 high wind, as filed by the National Weather Service.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 36 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $50,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 36

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Mar 9, 3:30 PM EST, 4 hours earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 9, 3:30 PM EST, 4 hours before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
330 PM EST SAT MAR 9 2002

DEEPENING LOW OVER SRN ONTARIO WILL LIFT NEWD TONIGHT INTO SUN. COLD
FRONT TO THE SOUTH OF THE LOW WILL CROSS PA TONIGHT. RAINFALL AHEAD
OF AND WITH FRONT EXPECTED TO BE ON THE ORDER OF A TENTH OF AN INCH
POSS TO A QUARTER OF AN INCH IN SPOTS AS NARROW BAND OF PCPN NOW
ENTERING PA WILL BE LIFTING NE FAIRLY QUICKLY.

MORE SIG WEATHER FACTOR WILL BE THE WINDS. DEEPENING SFC LOW TO THE
NORTH OF PA AND ASSOCIATED PROGGED PRESSURE RISES BEHIND FRONT ON
THE ORDER OF 6-8 MB/3 HRS WILL CONTINUE TO GENERATE STRONG WINDS
ACROSS PA TONIGHT AS UPR SYSTEM BECOMES NEGATIVELY TILTED. LOW LEVEL
JET IN EXCESS OF 50 KTS AND MID LEVEL JET IN EXCESS OF 100 KTS WILL
CROSS PA WITH SWLRY WINDS THIS EVENING TURNING WRLY EARLY SUN MORN.
SW WINDS WILL ALIGN WELL WITH MANY VALLEYS ACROSS CENTRAL PA CAUSING
A CHANNELING AFFECT OF STRONG WINDS DOWN THE VALLEYS. THUS HAVE
UPGRADED WIND ADV TO HIGH WIND WARNING FOR ENTIRE CWA STARTING THIS
EVE THROUGH SUN MORN.

MUCH OF CWA ALSO IN SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE TSTMS WITH MAIN THREAT
BEING DAMAGING WINDS. WILL CONTINUE MENTION OF STRONG WINDS IN TSTMS
IN ZONES.

BEHIND FROPA TEMPS WILL DROP SIG BRINGING AN ABRUPT END TO RECENT
WARM SPELL OF THE LAST FEW DAYS. LINGERING RAIN SHOWERS WILL TURN TO
SCT SNOW SHOWERS OVER ALL OF CWA EXCEPT FOR FAR SE WHERE MIX OF
RAIN/SNOW SHOWERS.

EXTENDED...NO CHANGES TO MID WEEK FCST WITH A COUPLE COMPARATIVELY
WEAK SYSTEMS. NEXT SAT SHOWS OH VALLEY LIFTING NE WITH CHANCE RAIN
SHOWERS LATE IN THE DAY AS COLD FRONT MOVES EAST.

.CTP...HIGH WIND WARNING FOR TONIGHT AND SUNDAY MORN FOR ALL OF CWA.

GARTNER

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 9, 5:45 PM EST, 1 hour 45 minutes before

PAZ004>006-010-011-017-024-025-033-034-100300-

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
545 PM EST SAT MAR 9 2002

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE WESTERN
PORTION OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA UNTIL 10 PM...

THE WATCH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES.

WARREN...MCKEAN...POTTER...ELK...CAMERON...CLEARFIELD...
CAMBRIA...BLAIR...BEDFORD...AND SOMERSET.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA ARE POSSIBLE
THIS EVENING.

A BAND OF FAST MOVING STORMS OVER OHIO WILL RACE EASTWARD THIS
EVENING. THE STORMS WILL MOVE INTO THE AREA AROUND 7 PM...BEFORE
MOVING EAST OF THE REGION BY 10 PM.

THE MAIN THREAT WILL BE DAMAGING WINDS OF 60 TO 80 MPH.

PEOPLE IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA SHOULD REMAIN ALERT...AND SEEK
SHELTER IF WARNINGS ARE ISSUED.

MARTIN

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

36 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Lebanon

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Lebanon forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.367, -76.458 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, McKean

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: McKean forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.808, -78.569 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Mifflin

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Mifflin forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.610, -77.617 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Montour

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Montour forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.028, -76.659 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Northern Centre

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Northern Centre forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.919, -77.820 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Northern Clinton

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Northern Clinton forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.234, -77.638 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Northern Lycoming

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Northern Lycoming forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.343, -77.064 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Northumberland

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Northumberland forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.852, -76.709 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Perry

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Perry forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.398, -77.262 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Potter

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Potter forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.745, -77.896 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Schuylkill

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Schuylkill forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.706, -76.216 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Snyder

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Snyder forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.770, -77.070 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Somerset

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Somerset forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 39.972, -79.028 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Southern Centre

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Southern Centre forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.919, -77.820 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Southern Clinton

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Southern Clinton forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.234, -77.638 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Southern Lycoming

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Southern Lycoming forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.343, -77.064 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Sullivan

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Sullivan forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.446, -76.512 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Tioga

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Tioga forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.772, -77.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Union

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Union forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.963, -77.062 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, York

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: York forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 39.920, -76.726 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Warren

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Warren forecast zone
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.815, -79.274 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A strong cold front approached central Pennsylvania during the afternoon of March 9, 2002. Southwest winds increased during the afternoon across the region. By evening, a line of showers accompanying the cold front entered the western edge of the CTP forecast area. Damaging winds accompanied the front and occurred after the frontal passage as winds shifted to the west. Wind speeds were estimated to be between 50 and 60 mph. After crossing the central portions of the region, the line of showers intensified into a line of convection with lightning and thunder. More intense damage was noted with the front as it crossed the eastern portions of the region. Damaging winds continued throughout the night. All 36 CTP zones reported multiple trees and wires down during an approximately nine hour period from 7:30 p.m. EST on the 9th through 5:00 a.m. on the 10th.In addition to trees and wires, more notable property damage occurred. Significant damage to a house and barn in Carlisle, Cumberland County, was reported. The house had it's roof blown off, while the roof of a 30 by 80 foot barn was lifted off. A roof was also blown off of a building in Lancaster, Lancaster County. A drive-in movie screen was destroyed by winds, estimated to be around 70 mph in Danville, Montour County. A section of a warehouse in Milton, Northumberland County, sustained serious damage. Also in Northumberland County, in the town of McEwensville, several homes and garages were damaged. In addition, 15,000 homes lost power in Altoona, Blair County.

High Wind, Adams

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Adams forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 39.872, -77.218 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Bedford

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Bedford forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.007, -78.490 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Blair

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Blair forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.481, -78.349 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Cambria

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Cambria forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.495, -78.714 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Cameron

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Cameron forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.437, -78.204 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Clearfield

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Clearfield forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.000, -78.474 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Columbia

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Columbia forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.049, -76.405 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Cumberland

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Cumberland forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.164, -77.266 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Dauphin

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Dauphin forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.415, -76.779 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Elk

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Elk forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.425, -78.649 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Franklin

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Franklin forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 39.927, -77.721 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Fulton

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Fulton forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 39.925, -78.113 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Huntingdon

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Huntingdon forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.417, -77.981 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Juniata

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Juniata forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.531, -77.402 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Lancaster

When: March 9, 7:30 PM EST to March 10, 5:00 AM EST
Where: Lancaster forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.042, -76.248 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2002 Every state in 2002 This day in weather history Warnings in Pennsylvania, March 2002

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5282492, 5282493, 5282494, 5282495, 5282496, 5282497, 5282498, 5282499, 5282500, 5282501, 5282502, 5282503, 5282504, 5282505, 5282506, 5282507, 5282508, 5282509, 5282510, 5282511, 5282701, 5282702, 5282703, 5282704, 5282705, 5282706, 5282707, 5282708, 5282709, 5282710, 5282711, 5282712, 5282713, 5282714, 5282715, 5282716.