Pennsylvania, 2012

Hail and Damaging Winds in Pennsylvania, July 4, 2012

July 4, 2012 · NWS PBZ · 59 events in 6 counties and zones

Clusters of severe thunderstorms developed across the upper Ohio valley from the afternoon of July 4th into the morning hours of July 5th. Severe weather was reported across eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and Garrett county Maryland.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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
59

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 happened

The episode as NWS PBZ wrote it up.

Clusters of severe thunderstorms developed across the upper Ohio valley from the afternoon of July 4th into the morning hours of July 5th. Severe weather was reported across eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and Garrett county Maryland. Large hail was widespread, with reports of hail larger than golf balls.

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 Pittsburgh, PA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 4, 2:31 PM EST, 1 hour 58 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 4, 2:31 PM EST, 1 hour 58 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
331 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

.SYNOPSIS...
IT WILL BE GETTING HOT AND HUMID THIS HOLIDAY AFTERNOON, UNTIL A
BAND OF THUNDERSTORMS BLOWS THROUGH WITH POTENTIALLY DAMAGING
WIND, HAIL, HEAVY DOWNPOURS AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING. THE
THUNDERSTORMS WILL DECREASE TO NO MORE THAN SCATTERED COVERAGE
THIS EVENING. BROAD HIGH PRESSURE WILL MAINTAIN HOT AND HUMID
CONDITIONS ACROSS THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY INTO SATURDAY.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM THURSDAY MORNING/...
HAVE CONTINUED MENTION OF LIKELY THUNDERSTORMS LATE THIS HOLIDAY
AFTERNOON, WITH POTENTIAL FOR BECOMING SEVERE WITH DAMAGING WIND,
LARGE HAIL, HEAVY DOWNPOURS, AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING.

SPC GUIDANCE CONTINUES TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE UPPER OHIO VALLEY AS
HAVING A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND
EARLY EVENING.

RECENT RADAR DATA SHOWS THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING ALONG CONVERGENCE
ZONES, UPWIND FROM CIRRUS-ANVIL-SHADED AREAS OVER NORTHWEST
PENNSYLVANIA LEFTOVER FROM PREVIOUS THUNDERSTORMS OVER NORTHERN
PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAINS, PLUS NORTHERLY BREEZES OFF LAKE ERIE.

RECENT HRRR MODEL OUTPUT SHOWS THUNDERSTORMS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING
INTO A BAND ACROSS THE TIER OF COUNTIES WITHIN NEW PHILADELPHIA-
PITTSBURGH CORRIDORS, AND THEN MOVING SOUTH PAST THE I-70 AND
I-68 CORRIDORS BY EARLY EVENING.

ALL THESE STORMS WILL HAVE PLENTY OF POTENTIAL ENERGY TO WORK
WITH, DUE TO THE HUMID CONDITIONS, AND SUFFICIENT VERTICAL SHEAR
TO BECOME SEVERE.

HEAVY RAINS WITH THE STORMS MAY CAUSE FLOODING IF RAIN AMOUNTS
EXCEED 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS.

THUNDERSTORM WILL HAVE A DRAMATIC EFFECT ON TEMPERATURES. SO
FORECAST OF HIGHS THIS AFTERNOON IS COMPLICATED. MADE BEST
JUDGMENT BASED ON OUR HUNCH OF WHEN AND WHERE THUNDERSTORMS
DEVELOP.

HEAT ADVISORIES MAINTAINED BUT HIGH TEMPERATURES COULD COME SHORT
DUE TO CLOUDS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

EXPECT THUNDERSTORM COVERAGE TO DECREASE THIS EVENING, AND BE GONE AFTER
MIDNIGHT. WILL CONSIDER FOG PROSPECTS WITH LATER FORECAST
ISSUANCES, BASED ON RAINFALL PATTERNS.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY/...
RECENT SREF MODEL OUTPUT CONTINUES TO SHOW THE BROAD HIGH PRESSURE
ACROSS THE EASTERN AND CENTRAL U.S. STRENGTHENING THURSDAY AND
FRIDAY, THEN SHRINKING SOUTH SATURDAY.

THE MAIN EFFECT OF THE HIGH PRESSURE WILL BE TO CONTINUE THE HOT
HUMID CONDITIONS, WITH GFS, NAM, AND ECMWF MOS SHOWING THURSDAY
AND FRIDAY HAVING THE HIGHEST AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES. AS THE HIGH
PRESSURE SHRINKS SOUTH SATURDAY, HIGH TEMPERATURES SATURDAY MAY BE
A COUPLE DEGREES LOWER THAN FRIDAY. HOWEVER, HUMID CONDITIONS WILL
PERSIST.

SO HAVE ADDED A HEAT ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY FOR MOST OF THE UPPER
OHIO VALLEY, EXCEPT THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS AND I-80 CORRIDOR.
IN HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK HAVE MENTIONED HEAT INDICES WELL INTO
THE 90S FRIDAY AND POSSIBLY SATURDAY.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
THERE IS GFS/ECMWF ENSEMBLE AGREEMENT TO BEGIN THE PERIOD THAT DEEP
RIDGING WILL BE CENTERED ACROSS THE MISSOURI VALLEY. THE UPPER OHIO
VALLEY WILL BE IN A NORTHWESTERLY FLOW ON THE EASTERN PERIPHERY OF THE
RIDGE. THE MODEL CONSENSUS INDICATES AN AMPLIFYING TREND WITH THE
RIDGE DOMINATING THE WESTERN TWO THIRDS OF THE CONUS AND LOWERING
MID-LEVEL HEIGHTS ACROSS THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY AS A TROUGH BUILDS
INTO THE NORTHEAST.

AFTER A COLD FRONT DROPS SOUTHEAST ACROSS THE AREA AND BRINGS
CHANCE POPS ON SUNDAY, A DRIER AND COOLER FORECAST IS IN PLACE FOR
EARLY NEXT WEEK. HAVE GONE DRY OR WITH SILENT SLIGHT CHC POPS FOR
LOWERING HEIGHTS THROUGH WEDNESDAY. UNCERTAINTY ENTERS THE FORECAST
BY NEXT THURSDAY WITH THE POTENTIAL OF A MID-LEVEL TROUGH PUSHING
FROM THE UPPER MIDWEST SOUTHEASTWARD ACROSS THE AREA. TEMPS ARE
AROUND 5 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL AHEAD OF THE FRONT ON SUNDAY.
TEMPERATURES WILL THEN LOWER TO NEAR SEASONABLE VALUES FOR MONDAY, TUESDAY
AND WEDNESDAY.

&&

.AVIATION /20Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
BANDS OF SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE SOUTHEASTWARD
ACROSS THE TERMINALS INTO THE EVENING. A FEW OF THE STORMS MAY
BECOME SEVERE WITH DAMAGING WIND AND HAIL. TEMPO GROUPS ARE
FORECAST ACROSS THE TERMINALS FOR VISIBILITY RESTRICTIONS WITH
THUNDERSTORMS. THE BEST WINDOW LOOKS TO BE FOR
KPIT/KBVI/KAGC/KHLG/KLBE THROUGH 22Z AND FOR KMGW THROUGH 00Z. ASIDE
FROM THUNDERSTORMS, PREVAILING WINDS WILL BE WESTERLY AT AROUND 10
KTS TODAY.

SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL DIMINISH OVERNIGHT. ABUNDANT SURFACE
MOISTURE, ESPECIALLY AT THE TERMINALS WHICH RECEIVE HEAVY RAINFALL
FROM THUNDERSTORMS, WILL ALLOW FOR SOME PRE-DAWN FOG TO DEVELOP ON
THURSDAY MORNING.

OUTLOOK...THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY...
MOSTLY VFR CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED THROUGH THE PERIOD WITH MVFR HAZE
POSSIBLE, ESPECIALLY DURING THE MORNING. RESTRICTIONS ARE POSSIBLE
IN SCATTERED STORMS LATE SATURDAY AND AGAIN ON SUNDAY AS A FRONT
SAGS SOUTHWARD THROUGH THE REGION. VFR CONDITIONS WILL RETURN ON
MONDAY.

&&

.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...NONE.
OH...HEAT ADVISORY UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR OHZ039>041-
     048>050-057>059-068-069.
     HEAT ADVISORY FROM NOON TO 7 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR OHZ039>041-
     048>050-057>059-068-069.
PA...HEAT ADVISORY FROM NOON TO 7 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR PAZ013-014-
     020>022-029-031-073-075.
WV...HEAT ADVISORY UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR WVZ001>004-012-
     021>023.
     HEAT ADVISORY FROM NOON TO 7 PM EDT THURSDAY FOR WVZ001>004-
     012-021>023.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 4, 4:06 PM EST, 23 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
506 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

OHZ039>041-048>050-057-WVZ001-002-052115-
TUSCARAWAS-CARROLL-COLUMBIANA-COSHOCTON-HARRISON-JEFFERSON OH-
MUSKINGUM-HANCOCK-BROOKE-
506 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM EDT THURSDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL OHIO AND
NORTHERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HEAT ADVISORY.

ALSO...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH EARLY
EVENING AS THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND...LARGE
HAIL...HEAVY DOWNPOURS...AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING. RAIN AMOUNTS
EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS CAN PROMOTE FLOODING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HEAT ADVISORY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

OHZ058-059-068-069-WVZ003-004-012-021>023-052115-
GUERNSEY-BELMONT-NOBLE-MONROE-OHIO-MARSHALL-WETZEL-MARION-MONONGALIA-
PRESTON-
506 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 461 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM EDT THURSDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL OHIO...NORTHERN
WEST VIRGINIA AND NORTHERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HEAT ADVISORY.
   SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH.

ALSO...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH EARLY
EVENING AS THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND...LARGE
HAIL...HEAVY DOWNPOURS...AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING. RAIN AMOUNTS
EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS CAN PROMOTE FLOODING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HEAT ADVISORY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

PAZ013-014-020>022-073-052115-
LAWRENCE-BUTLER-BEAVER-ALLEGHENY-ARMSTRONG-WESTMORELAND-
506 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM EDT THURSDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA AND
WEST CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH EARLY
EVENING AS THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND...LARGE
HAIL...HEAVY DOWNPOURS...AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING. RAIN AMOUNTS
EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS CAN PROMOTE FLOODING.

PRIOR TO THE THUNDERSTORMS...AFTERNOON HEAT INDICES MAY PEAK IN
THE MID TO UPPER 90S.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HEAT ADVISORY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

PAZ029-031-075-052115-
WASHINGTON-GREENE-FAYETTE-
506 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 461 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM EDT THURSDAY...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA.

.DAY ONE...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.

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH EARLY
EVENING AS THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND...LARGE
HAIL...HEAVY DOWNPOURS...AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING. RAIN AMOUNTS
EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS CAN PROMOTE FLOODING.

PRIOR TO THE THUNDERSTORMS...AFTERNOON HEAT INDICES MAY PEAK IN
THE MID TO UPPER 90S.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   HEAT ADVISORY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

PAZ007>009-015-016-023-074-052115-
MERCER-VENANGO-FOREST-CLARION-JEFFERSON PA-INDIANA-
WESTMORELAND RIDGES-
506 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHWEST
PENNSYLVANIA...SOUTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA AND WEST CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH EARLY
EVENING AS THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND...LARGE
HAIL...HEAVY DOWNPOURS...AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING. RAIN AMOUNTS
EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS CAN PROMOTE FLOODING.

PRIOR TO THE THUNDERSTORMS...AFTERNOON HEAT INDICES MAY PEAK IN
THE MID TO UPPER 90S.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

MDZ001-PAZ076-WVZ041-052115-
GARRETT-FAYETTE RIDGES-TUCKER-
506 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 461 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR WESTERN MARYLAND...SOUTHWEST
PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA.

.DAY ONE...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.

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH EARLY
EVENING AS THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND...LARGE
HAIL...HEAVY DOWNPOURS...AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING. RAIN AMOUNTS
EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS CAN PROMOTE FLOODING.

PRIOR TO THE THUNDERSTORMS...AFTERNOON HEAT INDICES MAY PEAK IN
THE MID TO UPPER 90S.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 4, 2:30 PM EST, 1 hour 59 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
330 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

PAZ014-042000-
BUTLER PA-
330 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN BUTLER COUNTY...

AT 326 PM EDT...A THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 5 MILES NORTHEAST OF
ZELIENOPLE...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 20 MPH.

HEAVY RAIN WILL POND WATER ON ROADS AND QUICKLY FILL DITCHES AND
SMALL STREAMS.  INTENSE LIGHTNING CAN BE EXPECTED FROM THESE STORMS.
MOVE INDOORS WHEN A THUNDERSTORM APPROACHES. DO NOT SEEK SHELTER
UNDER TREES.

SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL BE IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  BUTLER...

THIS WILL IMPACT THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAY...

I-79 IN PENNSYLVANIA BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 87 AND 94.

PLEASE REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY
CALLING TOLL FREE...877-633-6772.

LAT...LON 4085 7979 4069 7992 4082 8016 4093 8012

WOODRUM
Special weather statement, Jul 4, 2:52 PM EST, 1 hour 37 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
352 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

OHZ049-050-059-WVZ002-003-042015-
BELMONT OH-BROOKE WV-HARRISON OH-JEFFERSON OH-OHIO WV-
352 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...A THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN BELMONT...NORTHWESTERN
OHIO...SOUTHEASTERN HARRISON...SOUTHERN JEFFERSON AND SOUTHWESTERN
BROOKE COUNTIES...

AT 348 PM EDT...A THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED 4 MILES SOUTHEAST OF
CADIZ...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH AND HAIL UP TO DIME SIZE ARE POSSIBLE WITH THIS
STORM.

SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL BE IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  NEW ATHENS...         CADIZ...              ADENA...
  NEWELL...             DILLONVALE...         JUG RUN...
  RAYLAND...            YORKVILLE...          TILTONSVILLE...
  WINDSOR HEIGHTS...    MARTINS FERRY...      CLEARVIEW...

THIS WILL IMPACT THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS...

I-470 IN OHIO BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 6.
I-70 IN WEST VIRGINIA BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 1.
I-70 IN OHIO BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 219 AND 225.

PLEASE REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY
CALLING TOLL FREE...877-633-6772.

LAT...LON 4023 8059 4000 8078 4023 8105 4031 8099
Special weather statement, Jul 4, 3:29 PM EST, 1 hour before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
429 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

OHZ049-050-059-PAZ029-WVZ002>004-042115-
BELMONT OH-BROOKE WV-HARRISON OH-JEFFERSON OH-MARSHALL WV-OHIO WV-
WASHINGTON PA-
429 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

...THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN BELMONT...NORTHERN
MARSHALL...OHIO...SOUTH CENTRAL JEFFERSON...SOUTHEASTERN
HARRISON...SOUTHERN BROOKE AND SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES...

AT 426 PM EDT...THUNDERSTORMS WERE LOCATED 4 MILES SOUTH OF
ADENA...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 35 MPH.

WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH AND HAIL UP TO DIME SIZE ARE POSSIBLE WITH THIS
STORM.

SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL BE IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  NEWELL...             NEW ATHENS...         ADENA...
  SAINT CLAIRSVILLE...  DILLONVALE...         JUG RUN...
  RAYLAND...            YORKVILLE...          TILTONSVILLE...
  WINDSOR HEIGHTS...    MARTINS FERRY...      CLEARVIEW...

THIS WILL IMPACT THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS...

I-470 IN WEST VIRGINIA BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 3.
I-470 IN OHIO BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 6.
I-70 IN WEST VIRGINIA BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 14.
I-70 IN PENNSYLVANIA BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 7.
I-70 IN OHIO BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 214 AND 225.

PLEASE REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY
CALLING TOLL FREE...877-633-6772.

LAT...LON 4014 8037 3983 8070 4017 8106 4029 8093
Special weather statement, Jul 4, 3:53 PM EST, 36 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
453 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

MDZ001-OHZ058-059-068-069-PAZ029-031-075-076-WVZ003-004-012-
021>023-041-042300-
GARRETT-GUERNSEY-BELMONT-NOBLE-MONROE-WASHINGTON-GREENE-FAYETTE-
FAYETTE RIDGES-OHIO-MARSHALL-WETZEL-MARION-MONONGALIA-PRESTON-
TUCKER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...OAKLAND MD...GRANTSVILLE...CAMBRIDGE...
MARTINS FERRY...ST. CLAIRSVILLE...BELLAIRE...BARNESVILLE...
SHADYSIDE...BRIDGEPORT...CALDWELL...WOODSFIELD...WASHINGTON...
CANONSBURG...DONORA...CALIFORNIA...CHARLEROI...MONONGAHELA...
MCMURRAY...WAYNESBURG...FAIRDALE...UNIONTOWN...CONNELLSVILLE...
POINT MARION...NORMALVILLE...FARMINGTON...OHIOPYLE...
MARKLEYSBURG...WHEELING...MOUNDSVILLE...NEW MARTINSVILLE...
FAIRMONT...MORGANTOWN...KINGWOOD...TERRA ALTA...PARSONS...DAVIS...
THOMAS
453 PM EDT WED JUL 4 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
461 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING
AREAS

IN MARYLAND THIS WATCH INCLUDES 1 COUNTY

IN WESTERN MARYLAND

GARRETT

IN OHIO THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES

IN EAST CENTRAL OHIO

BELMONT               GUERNSEY              MONROE
NOBLE

IN PENNSYLVANIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES

IN SOUTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA

FAYETTE               GREENE                WASHINGTON

IN WEST VIRGINIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 7 COUNTIES

IN NORTHERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA

MARSHALL              OHIO

IN NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

MARION                MONONGALIA            PRESTON
TUCKER                WETZEL

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...BARNESVILLE...BELLAIRE...
BRIDGEPORT...CALDWELL...CALIFORNIA...CAMBRIDGE...CANONSBURG...
CHARLEROI...CONNELLSVILLE...DAVIS...DONORA...FAIRDALE...
FAIRMONT...GRANTSVILLE...KINGWOOD...MARTINS FERRY...MCMURRAY...
MONONGAHELA...MORGANTOWN...MOUNDSVILLE...NEW MARTINSVILLE...
OAKLAND MD...OHIOPYLE...PARSONS...SHADYSIDE...ST. CLAIRSVILLE...
TERRA ALTA...THOMAS...UNIONTOWN...WASHINGTON...WAYNESBURG...
WHEELING AND WOODSFIELD.

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA.

THE THUNDERSTORMS CAN PRODUCE HAIL TO 1.5 INCHES IN
DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH...DANGEROUS
LIGHTNING...PLUS HEAVY RAIN.

THE DAMAGING THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS MAY CAUSE ADDITIONAL POWER
OUTAGES BY DOWNING TREES AFFECTING POWER LINES, PARTICULARLY IN
AREAS HARDHIT FROM LAST FRIDAYS STORMS.

RAIN AMOUNTS EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN LESS THAN 2 HOURS CAN CAUSE
RAPID FLOODING IN LOW SPOTS AND ALONG SMALL STREAMS.

PERSONS IN THE WATCH AREA THIS HOLIDAY EVENING SHOULD BE ON THE
LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER
STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS.
Local storm report, Jul 4, 3:57 PM EST, 32 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
457 PM EDT WED JUL 04 2012

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

0409 PM     HAIL             2 W ADENA               40.22N  80.91W
07/04/2012  E0.88 INCH       HARRISON           OH   EMERGENCY MNGR

&&

EVENT NUMBER PBZ1200630

RG
Local storm report, Jul 4, 4:15 PM EST, 14 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
515 PM EDT WED JUL 04 2012

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

0510 PM     HAIL             5 E FLUSHING            40.15N  80.97W
07/04/2012  M1.75 INCH       BELMONT            OH   911 CALL CENTER

&&

EVENT NUMBER PBZ1200631

NWS

The radar

The Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 51 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:31 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

56 hail, 2 thunderstorm wind, 1 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 4:29 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Rillton
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.280, -79.720

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 4:32 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi W of Rosedale
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.480, -79.830

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 4:34 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.87 mi SE of Riverton
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.340, -79.840

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 4:36 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi W of Rosedale
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.480, -79.830

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 4:40 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Wilmerding
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.380, -79.810

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 4:40 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 1.26 mi WNW of Hunker
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.230, -79.640

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 4:55 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.48 mi SSE of Monroeville Arpt
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.430, -79.760

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:00 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi W of Trafford
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
40.380, -79.760

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:05 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.69 mi N of East Pittsburgh
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.410, -79.830

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:12 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.69 mi N of East Mc Keesport
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.390, -79.800

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:13 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, Wilmerding
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.380, -79.820

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:15 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Wilmerding
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.380, -79.810

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:15 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Circleville
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.320, -79.720

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:17 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Wilmerding
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.380, -79.810

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:19 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.69 mi N of Boston
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.330, -79.800

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:20 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi W of Coulter
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.300, -79.810

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:20 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Wilmerding
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.380, -79.810

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:20 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.69 mi S of North Irwin
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.320, -79.700

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:21 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.69 mi N of East Mc Keesport
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.390, -79.800

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:23 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Port Vue
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.350, -79.860

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:24 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.69 mi N of Boston
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.330, -79.800

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:25 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Mc Kees Rocks
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.470, -80.070

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:27 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Circleville
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.320, -79.720

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:29 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, Wilmerding
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.380, -79.820

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:30 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Greensburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
40.300, -79.540

The 911 call center reported trees down in Greensburg.

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:31 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Circleville
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.320, -79.720

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:32 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.69 mi S of Loyalhanna
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.310, -79.380

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 5:36 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Wilmerding
Measured
2 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.380, -79.810

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:44 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Circleville
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.320, -79.720

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:56 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Circleville
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.320, -79.720

Heavy Rain, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 5:59 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.69 mi S of North Irwin
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.320, -79.700

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 7:01 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi E of Humphries
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.250, -79.470

Hail, Westmoreland

When
July 4, 7:05 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 1.06 mi W of Kecksburg
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.180, -79.490

Hail, Fayette

When
July 4, 7:19 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.53 mi E of Coldbrook
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.030, -79.570

Hail, Fayette

When
July 4, 7:24 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.06 mi E of Moyer
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.050, -79.550

Hail, Fayette

When
July 4, 7:29 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.87 mi SE of Morgan
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.060, -79.590

Hail, Fayette

When
July 4, 7:31 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.48 mi NNW of Raster Run
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.020, -79.490

Hail, Mercer

When
July 4, 9:19 PM EST
Where
Mercer County, 1.48 mi SSE of Cool Spg
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
41.260, -80.240

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:06 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 0.87 mi SE of Beaver Falls Co Arpt
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.760, -80.390

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:07 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 0.87 mi SE of Beaver Falls Co Arpt
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.760, -80.390

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:11 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 0.69 mi S of Unionville
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.740, -80.220

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:11 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 0.69 mi N of New Brighton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
40.760, -80.320

The 911 call center reported trees and power lines down.

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:14 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 0.87 mi SE of Beaver Falls Co Arpt
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.760, -80.390

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:15 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 2.09 mi SW of Barrisville
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.760, -80.260

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:19 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 1.57 mi W of Ogle
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.700, -80.130

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:19 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 1.26 mi WSW of Knob
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.690, -80.200

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:24 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 1.57 mi W of Ogle
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.700, -80.130

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:25 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 1.57 mi W of Ogle
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.700, -80.130

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:28 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 1.26 mi WSW of Aliquippa Arpt
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.590, -80.320

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:30 PM EST
Where
Butler County, Ogle
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.700, -80.100

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:30 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 0.69 mi S of Glen Eden
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.720, -80.120

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:32 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 1.05 mi W of Criders Corners
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.680, -80.120

Hail, Beaver

When
July 4, 10:35 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 0.87 mi SE of Beaver Falls Co Arpt
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.760, -80.390

Hail, Allegheny

When
July 4, 10:40 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.05 mi W of Bairdford
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.630, -79.890

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:45 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 0.52 mi E of Ivywood
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.720, -79.840

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:49 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 0.69 mi N of Mars
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.710, -80.020

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:51 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 1.73 mi NW of Ivywood
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.740, -79.870

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:52 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 2.32 mi NNW of Ivywood
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.750, -79.870

Hail, Butler

When
July 4, 10:55 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 0.52 mi E of Ivywood
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.720, -79.840

What these are

Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind
Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Heavy Rain
Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2012Every state in 2012This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, July 2012

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: 393441, 393442, 393443, 393444, 393445, 393446, 393447, 393448, 393449, 393450, 393451, 393452, 393453, 393454, 393455, 393456, 393457, 393458, 393459, 393460, 393463, 393461, 393464, 393465, 393498, 393466, 393462, 393469, 393468, 393470, 393467, 393471, 393472, 393474, 393475, 393473, 393476, 393477, 393478, 393479, and more.