Unusually strong upper low for July dropped from the Great Lakes into western PA. A trowal/deformation zone set up over most of the area outside of southeast Ohio, producing torrential rainfall.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS PBZ wrote it up.
Unusually strong upper low for July dropped from the Great Lakes into western PA. A trowal/deformation zone set up over most of the area outside of southeast Ohio, producing torrential rainfall. Storm totals of 2 to 5 inches were common, with isolated higher totals over West Virginia. Hardest hit areas included Washington County, PA and Marion County, WV. Wheeling and Hundred WV also had major issues. Several water rescues took place in the aforementioned counties with disaster declarations in the city of Uniontown in Fayette county, PA and a federal disaster declaration in for most of northern West Virginia. Damage estimates for West Virginia alone approached $6 million dollars.
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 28, 12:25 PM EST, 50 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
125 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017
.SYNOPSIS...
Low pressure will result in showers and a few thunderstorms
through part of Saturday. Dry weather is expected under high
pressure Saturday night and Sunday.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Showers remain focused along a boundary situated across the
southern PA/northern WV border this morning. Expect coverage to
increase as the upper low pressure digs across the southern
Great Lakes this afternoon, amplifying the flow and further
pulling deep moisture across the region, especially south and
east of Pittsburgh. Upper level dynamics support a period of
efficient rainfall through the evening and overnight, as warm
cloud depths reach 12kft. Will note that rainfall that has
already been observed has produced amounts more of a tropical
atmosphere per recent reports versus radar estimates.
With rater cloudy conditions this morning, expect surface
heating to be rather slow, and while there will be some cooling
aloft with the approach of the 500mb low, and modest shear,
overall severe threat appears to be minimal.
Closed 500mb low will slowly pivot across the Upper Ohio Valley
overnight as a surface low shifts off toward the coast. Most,
if not all, of the guidance suggests a period of
enhancement/deformation across the forecast area that could lead
to higher precipitation amounts across western PA and northern
WV, depending in where it sets up. With this in mind, have
adjusted the axis of higher QPF slightly, and held onto likely
Pops until after midnight.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
System and the bulk of the precipitation will slowly pull off to
the east on Saturday. Lingering deformation precipitation in the
terrain should taper off toward midday as upper ridging starts
to push over the area. This should lead to drying conditions for
the rest of the weekend, as a surface high build over the Great
Lakes region.
Cool northerly flow and lingering precip will keep temperatures
below averages on Saturday with moderation toward seasonal
normals by Sunday and Monday.
&&
.LONG TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
High pressure will keep conditions dry through Tuesday with the
next chance for precipitation coming with the approach of a
front late Wednesday/Thursday.
&&
.AVIATION /17Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Mainly MVFR conditions with increasing shower/thunderstorm
coverage is expected this afternoon with an approaching upper
low, and a surface wave moving along a stalled sfc boundary.
Maintained a VCTS mention for ports S of I 80 for a brief period
this aftn with sufficient instability. MVFR to IFR conditions
should continue this evening as the heaviest rain occurs with
enhanced lift. Improvement to VFR is expected from N-S late
tonight through Sat as the low exits.
.OUTLOOK...
No widespread restrictions expected.
&&
.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Flash Flood Watch through Saturday afternoon for MDZ001.
OH...None.
PA...Flash Flood Watch through Saturday afternoon for PAZ023-
073>076.
Flash Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Saturday for PAZ014>016-
020>022-029-031.
WV...Flash Flood Watch through Saturday afternoon for WVZ510>514.
Flash Flood Watch until 1 AM EDT Saturday for WVZ001>004-012-
021-509.
&&Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA 358 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 MDZ001-PAZ023-073>076-WVZ510>514-290800- Garrett-Indiana-Westmoreland-Westmoreland Ridges-Fayette- Fayette Ridges-Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston- Preston-Eastern Preston-Western Tucker-Eastern Tucker- 358 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western Maryland, southwest Pennsylvania, west central Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Also, isolated severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts will be possible this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. OHZ039-040-048>050-057>059-068-069-290800- Tuscarawas-Carroll-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson-Muskingum-Guernsey- Belmont-Noble-Monroe- 358 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Ohio. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Isolated severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts will be possible this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. PAZ021-029-031-WVZ001>004-012-021-509-290800- Allegheny-Washington-Greene-Hancock-Brooke-Ohio-Marshall-Wetzel- Marion-Monongalia- 358 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and northern panhandle of West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Also, isolated severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts will be possible this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. OHZ041-PAZ007>009-013-290800- Columbiana-Mercer-Venango-Forest-Lawrence- 358 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania and western Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. PAZ014>016-020-022-290800- Butler-Clarion-Jefferson-Beaver-Armstrong- 358 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for west central Pennsylvania and western Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
1247 PM EDT FRI JUL 28 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0830 PM FLASH FLOOD ELLIOTTSVILLE 39.77N 79.63W
07/27/2017 FAYETTE PA PUBLIC
HIGH WATER WAS REPORTED RUNNING FROM THE BIG SANDY
CREEK ACROSS QUEBEC RD AND WHARTON FURNACE RD
&&
EVENT NUMBER PBZ1701831
JDThe Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 76 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:13 UTC.
46 flash flood, 4 flood, 2 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.
Emergency manager reported one male stranded in vehicle on the 2000 block of Ligonier Street with flooding extending through the intersection with Highway 982.
Emergency manager reported Tyler Ave, Sammy Agnott Way, and Main St all flooded along I-70.
Landslide onto I-70 east of Washington.
Local 911 call center reported multiple vehicles stranded on flooded roadways in Washington.
Local 911 call center reported at least six vehicles with occupants have been stuck in water. The locations of the vehicles include at least 44 Bridge Street, 365 Jefferson Ave, 437 Jefferson Ave, 59 Washington St, 267 E Beau St, and the intersection of Arch and Race Streets.
Local 911 reported multiple streets flooded with SUVs up to their grills in water.
Mudslide onto 355 Crucible Rd.
Local 911 reported Route 88 flooded at Paisley Industrial Park Rd.
The public reported cars becoming submerged into flood water in front of the Stone House Inn Restaurant.
The public reported Ondrejko Rd flooded and impassable. Residents along the road are moving to higher ground.
Trained spotter reported in 30 minutes.
State official reported eleven residents from S Gallatin Ave and 78 residents from the Marshall Manor high rise on E Main St were evacuated to the community room.
State official reported Pittsburgh St and Dusquesne Ave under water.
Local 911 reported washington Ave under water between Boden Ave and the Patete Custom Kitchens Store.
Local 911 reported four feet of water on roadway with one car floating at the intersection of 3rd and Washington. Allegheny River Blvd between Washington and Plum is under water.
Local 911 reported Hope Hollow Rd at Lindsay St, a creek is overflow the road. The road is closed.
Trained spotter reported in 3.5 hours.
Local 911 reported Becks Run Rd closed at Carson St due to flooding.
Local 911 reported that Mayview Road at Boyce Road closed due to flooding. There is three feet of water on the road.
Local 911 reported that Route 88 and Route 51 closed due to water over the road. Swift water teams have been activated.
Local 911 reported Rt 65 was closed from Cross to 4th St.
Local 911 reported vehicle stuck in the water on Broadhead Rd.
Local 911 reported Laird Rd closed due to flooding.
Local 911 reported Trampmill Run out of its banks and flooding several roads near it.
Local 911 reported several roads closed due to flooding in Nixon.
Several roads closed due to flooding.
Social media reported a creek out of it's banks and running through a yard.
Local 911 reported that there are several people stuck in homes due to high water in Washington. Several roads are closed throughout the city, including Weirich Avenue, West Wylie Avenue, Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong Drive, and Chestnut Street. Also, social media reported that North Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 25 flooding calls.
Local 911 call center reported Flooding at 1199 Leechburg Rd, the intersection of Leechburg Rd and Puckety Church Rd.
Local 911 reported several roads closed due to flooding in south-central Allegheny county including Streets Run Rd near Chapon's Greenhouse, Streets Run Road at the intersection with Brentwood Road, Route 51 near Lewis Run Road, East Willock Road between Doyle and Godec Drive, State Route 837 in Dravosburg, and Brownsville Road near the South Park Clubhouse. In addition, 2 vehicles were stuck in floodwaters at Lebanon Road at Lebanon Church Road.
Local 911 reported Industrial Blvd at 7th St is underwater with the sewers overflowing. Roadway is also flooded at 205 9th St in New Kensington.
Local 911 reported numerous roads flooded and closed in Finleyville and Thompsonville. Mingo Park Estates has been flooded evacuations ongoing. Also, several people were trapped on the second floor of a home on railroad street in Finleyville.
State official reported that Freeport Road was flooded in several locations including at the intersection of Powers Run Road and Boyd Road.
State official reported several roads closed including Hulton Road, Ross Hollow Road, and Spring Hollow Road. Also, several baseball fields are flooded on the northwest side of Plum.
Pittsburgh Rd closed due to flooding in Penn Twp.
Herman Rd in Summit Twp closed due to flooding.
Local 911 reported water rising fast near numerous mobile homes on Meadoes Drive. Evacuations may be needed.
State official reported that Bunola River Road was flooded from Oliver Drive to Racoon Run. CSX Tracks also flooded.
State official reported that Guyer Road was flooded in Lower Burrell.
Local 911 reported that Piney Fork Rd is flooded near the Green Mans Tunnel and is being closed down.
The public reported Church, Railroad, and Stewart St are all flooded and closed.
State official reported that State Route 2017 was flooded and closed in Cumberland Township.
State official reported that State Route 18 was flooded with one lane closed.
Local 911 reported that Jergel's bar parking lot was flooded with multiple vehicles under water. People are evacuating.
State official reported that Kirby Road was flooded just west of State Route 19.
Social media reported two feet of water coming into a residence. One quarter acre of backyard completely underwater from nearby creek.
State official reported that State Route 2012 was flooded.
State official reported of continued flooding on Route 18 North near Nineveh and at the split of route 18 and route 21 near Rogersville.
State official reported several roads closed in Bentleyville including Piersol Avenue, Coal Center Road and Robinson Dairy Road. Also Sttae Route 481 was closed due to flooding near Monongahela and Pike Run in Coal Center was out of it's banks.
State official reported ongoing flooding in Georges Township near Fairchance. Many roads are closed in the area.
Emergency manager reported that the road was raising from a sink hole on Pine and Smithfield streets. The area is flooded.
The public reported numerous roads flooded in and around the Ohiopyle area.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, July 2017
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: 715823, 715825, 715827, 715831, 715839, 715844, 715845, 715847, 715848, 715849, 717047, 715850, 715854, 715855, 715856, 715857, 717048, 715858, 717040, 715859, 716292, 716294, 716295, 716296, 716297, 716298, 717235, 717238, 715862, 716271, 715861, 717239, 717041, 717043, 716299, 716300, 717232, 717045, 717233, 716282, and more.