Remnants of tropical storm Cindy interacted with a southward moving cold front in the afternoon of June 23rd. In addition to heavy rain and flooding concerns, especially with saturated antecedent conditions in several locations in southwest PA, severe thunderstorms were also possible.
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.
Remnants of tropical storm Cindy interacted with a southward moving cold front in the afternoon of June 23rd. In addition to heavy rain and flooding concerns, especially with saturated antecedent conditions in several locations in southwest PA, severe thunderstorms were also possible. There were numerous reports of trees down across much of northern West Virginia, southwestern Pennsylvania, and even Garrett county, Maryland with reports of flooding in some of the same locations, as 2-4 inches of rain were reported through the evening. There also was enough low level shear to support a non-zero tornado threat, which did materialize across southwest PA and northern WV. One EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Washington county, PA, and two tornadoes, an EF-0 and EF-1, were confirmed in Monongalia county, WV. Fayette County, PA also declared a state of emergency.
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 Jun 23, 7:57 AM EST, 2 hours 23 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
857 AM EDT Fri Jun 23 2017
.SYNOPSIS...
Downpours are possible through tonight with a tropical airmass
in place. A cold front sweeping through early Saturday will
return comfortable humidity levels by the weekend.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
Warm rain process in full effect this morning. One area of rain
is almost through with a break then another round this afternoon.
Our radar is now in a tropical Z/R relationship. No changes to
the forecast as its in good shape with radar trends. Previous
discussion follows:
Rain showers associated with an upper-level shortwave are
moving through eastern OH and southwestern PA. These light to
moderate showers will slide northeast this morning following the
shortwave, bolstered by mid-level speed convergence and upper-
level divergence. This rain will continue to pre-condition much
of the Flash Flood Watch area with a quarter to half an inch of
rain, before the heavier rain chances arrive later today. With
many locations in Indiana and Armstrong Counties still impacted
by yesterday's flash flooding including many road closures, an
Areal Flood Warning will be in effect through tonight.
This morning will feature a break in the widespread rain as the
initial wave moves east. At this point the remnants of T.S.
Cindy will be slowly moving through the lower Ohio Valley and
the cold front descending through the southern Great Lakes.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon/evening
everywhere as the converging systems begin to phase near the
local forecast area. Strong ascent will meet a moisture-rich
environment to the tune of 2" or greater PWAT values. Increasing
850mb flow into deep warm cloud depths nearing 13kft will be
plenty sufficient to support tropical rain rates...causing very
heavy rainfall at times. To prepare for this, the local WSR-88D
has been modified to a tropical Z/R relationship.
High surface dewpoints will continue to fuel modest instability
with SB CAPE values progged in the 1000-1500 J/kg range. This,
along with moderate shear through the mid-levels should be
sufficient for thunderstorm development with a few strong to
severe possible. Freezing levels will be lofty, so the primary
threat will remain convective wind damage, but some veering in
the lowest 200mb and relatively low LCLs reveals that an
isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. The forecast area is
currently blanketed by a marginal risk from SPC, and a small
area of slight risk extending into our southern counties.
Possibility of severe weather would likely expand if more
clearing across our southern counties is achieved.
With very high dewpoints in place and expansive cloud deck
expected, temperatures won't range wildly over the next 24
hours. Highs today will be near or a few degrees below average,
but the muggy conditions will prevail.
&&
.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/...
Instability will lessen heading into the evening which will
decrease the severe threat, however, another period of moderate
rain still looks likely Pittsburgh along and ahead of the
aforementioned cold front and under the right-rear quadrant of
the jet. By Saturday morning precipitation should be east of the
ridges as drier air moves in behind the front. Saturday should
be noticeably more comfortable with highs in the upper 70s and
lower humidity. Benign weather can be expected Saturday night
with high pressure.
&&
.LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Sfc high pressure will remain largely in control on Sunday,
however, a shortwave passing to the north could result in
scattered precipitation along and north of I-80 during the
afternoon. A stronger shortwave will deepen the eastern CONUS
longwave trough on Monday...maintaining slightly below normal
temperatures and return chances of precipitation during the
afternoon through Tuesday morning. Upper ridging will follow...
bringing temperatures back to their normal location and
returning dry weather.
&&
.AVIATION /13Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Most ports dropping to at least low MVFR this morning as the
low-levels saturate. An upper-level shortwave trough is
spreading light to moderate rain northeast. Most ports will
hover between low MVFR and IFR this morning with little gains
made through early afternoon.
Restrictions will likely continue through Friday as the
remnants of Tropical Storm Cindy merge with an approaching cold
front. Showers, thunderstorms, and low ceilings will be common
Friday afternoon through the evening. Low ceilings will once
again plague the region tonight as the front makes its way
across the area.
Wind will remain WSW through the period, with gusts expected
Friday afternoon.
.OUTLOOK...
Widespread restrictions are likely through Saturday morning with
the passage of a cold front.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
A flash flood watch has been issued for areas along and south
of interstate 70. In addition, Allegheny, Armstrong and Indiana
counties have been included, due to very low flash flood
guidance.
Meteorologically values all point to high water issues with
PWATS over two inches, warm cloud depths above 13KFT, and a
strong low level jet. GEFS M-Climate values are near or at
record levels for PWATS on return interval, and climate
anomaly.
Widespread 1.5" to 2.5" through tonight could lead to strong
rises on the Monongahela, Cheat and Ohio Rivers and their
tributaries. Slightly less is expected north of the Watch area,
but the Allegheny basin could still see a widespread 1" to 2".
&&
.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MD...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for MDZ001.
OH...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for OHZ057>059-068-069.
PA...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for PAZ021>023-029-031-
073>076.
WV...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for WVZ002>004-012-021-
509>514.
&&Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA 346 AM EDT Fri Jun 23 2017 MDZ001-OHZ057>059-068-069-PAZ021>023-029-031-073>076-WVZ002>004-012- 021-509>514-240800- Garrett-Muskingum-Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Allegheny-Armstrong- Indiana-Washington-Greene-Westmoreland-Westmoreland Ridges-Fayette- Fayette Ridges-Brooke-Ohio-Marshall-Wetzel-Marion-Monongalia- Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston- Eastern Preston-Western Tucker-Eastern Tucker- 346 AM EDT Fri Jun 23 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western Maryland, east central Ohio, southwest Pennsylvania, west central 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. In addition to the Flash Flood Watch, isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging wind the primary threat. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. 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. OHZ039>041-048>050-PAZ007>009-013>016-020-WVZ001-240800- Tuscarawas-Carroll-Columbiana-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson-Mercer- Venango-Forest-Lawrence-Butler-Clarion-Beaver-Hancock- 346 AM EDT Fri Jun 23 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, west central Pennsylvania, western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Showers and thunderstorms are expected today and tonight. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible today with damaging wind and heavy rainfall the primary threats. Heavy rainfall could cause local high water problems. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. 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.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PITTSBURGH PA
949 AM EDT FRI JUN 23 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0947 AM HEAVY RAIN STONEBORO 41.34N 80.11W
06/23/2017 M1.30 INCH MERCER PA PUBLIC
HEAVY RAIN DURING THE PAST 2 HOURS
&&
EVENT NUMBER PBZ1701657
JDThe Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 79 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:18 UTC.
21 thunderstorm wind, 20 flash flood, 2 flood, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Emergency manager reported that flooding from Crooked Creek, continued in to Friday afternoon, June 23rd.
Member of social media reported trees down.
Trained spotter reported that Dutch Fork Creek was out of it's banks and flooding a roadway.
National Weather Service survey team reported large branches down on Craft Road.
Emergency manager reported multiple trees down and structural collapse in Amwell Township.
The National Weather Service survey team confirmed a tornado near Lone Pine in Washington County, western Pennsylvania on June 23 2017. Damage was first encountered near Potato Run Road and Friends Road,where a swath of tree blowdown was noted. Large limbs were snapped, and hardwood trees were snapped or uprooted in this area. The swath continued uphill along Friends Road. Well-built structures did not seem to suffer direct wind damage at this point of the path, which narrowed and weakened upon surmounting the hill along Friends Road. The circulation then widened and intensified as it crossed Chestnut Ridge Road. Considerable damage to trees and structures was evaluated near Brush Run Road and Frazee Road. In this area, large hardwood and softwood trunks were snapped, entire trees were stripped of their branches and shingles were removed from several homes. A detached garage suffered uplift of a portion of its roof, and a large, downwind-facing porch roof was removed from a home. Deck furniture was lofted and blown into properties several homes down |crosswind. The path continued east-southeastward across Sunedecker Road, |where trees were snapped or uprooted. Damage along the remainder of the path thereafter appeared limited to trees. The path in this area narrowed and exhibited damage consistent with weaker wind speed, until points near Daniels Run Road and Robinson Road. At that location, the track became less coherent, consistent with radar imagery showing a surge of outflow, thus suggesting the end of the tornadic phase of the storm. Damage at the beginning of the track was consistent with wind speed of around 90 mph, so the tornado has been rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
State official reported trees down.
Trained spotter reported trees down.
Local 911 reported several trees down.
State official reported trees down.
State official reported several trees down.
State official reported several trees down.
State official reported five trees down in Hempfiled Township.
State official reported several trees down.
Trained spotter reported Nobles Lane and State Route 51 had high water.
State official reported several trees down.
State official reported several trees down.
Amateur radio operator reported trees down.
State official reported several trees down.
State official reported trees down.
The public reported trees down.
State official reported that five vehicles were submerged due to high water.
Person on social media reported that Snake Hill was flooding from Kecksburg to Acme.
State official reported that the ramp to Dravosburg from Route 837 was flooded.
Local 911 reported flooding on Route 711 in Seward.
State official reported that Bethel Church Road flooded.
State official reported that Mountainview Drive was flooded. In addition, Jacobs creek in town was out of it's banks and flooding Homestead Ave.
State official reported that McChesney Road was flooded.
County 911 reported several roads closed in Ligonier including Route 711, Route 30 at the intersection with Route 381, McDowell Road, and Brailer Drive.
County 911 reported that West Main Street, Liberty Street, and North Geary Street are flooded. Also, there is some residential flooding.
State official reported several trees down.
State official reported several trees down.
State official reported several trees down.
The public reported several roads closed due to heavy rain in Indiana.
County 911 reported that Nature Run Road and Griffith Road are flooded.
State official reported several trees down.
State official reported that William Penn Highway was flooded.
State official reported roads closed in and around Fairdale due to high water.
County 911 reported multiple swift water rescues ongoing on Jefferson School Road.
Social media reported that the National Pike Road was under water.
Amateur radio reported homes flooded on Filbert Orient Road. Boats are being sent to evacuate resident.
State official reported three feet of water on Oak Forest Road. Also, a construction trailer at West Greene High School was washed down the creek and under a railroad tressel.
Local newspaper reported that Four Mile Run was out of it's banks, prompting evacuations of homes along Goldenrod Lane and Giesey Road.
State official reported that Route 982 at Mission Road was flooded.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Pennsylvania, 2017Warnings in Pennsylvania, June 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: 711968, 711867, 711960, 711868, 711869, 711900, 711870, 711872, 711871, 711873, 711874, 711875, 711876, 711877, 711956, 711878, 711879, 711880, 711881, 711882, 711883, 711961, 711928, 711957, 711955, 711948, 711941, 711952, 711917, 711946, 711884, 711885, 711886, 711958, 711918, 711887, 711953, 711975, 711919, 711971, and more.