Another round of severe thunderstorms affected central Pennsylvania during the afternoon and early evening hours of May 29, 2019. Storms developed shortly after midday, in a moderately high CAPE and high shear environment.
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 CTP wrote it up.
Another round of severe thunderstorms affected central Pennsylvania during the afternoon and early evening hours of May 29, 2019. Storms developed shortly after midday, in a moderately high CAPE and high shear environment. Discreet rotating cells formed ahead of a developing line of storms over northwestern PA. The primary threat ended up being wind damage, and one tornado was confirmed in Perry County.
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 May 29, 9:57 AM EST, 2 hours 1 minute earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service State College PA 1057 AM EDT Wed May 29 2019 .SYNOPSIS... A wavy front over the state will waggle north and south through the next few days. This will keep a chance of showers and thunderstorms across the region into at least Thursday night. The threat of severe weather and even some flooding is also a daily concern. Friday looks like a dry day, but showers return over the weekend. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 7 PM THIS EVENING/... 1045 am update... It looks like we're in for another eventful afternoon. Rapid update satellite imagery this morning shows mostly cloudy skies near and north of a weak stationary front, draped across the northern tier of the Commonwealth. Meanwhile, skies have been mainly clear south of the boundary, which should allow ample heating to occur by early-mid afternoon. This will translate into decent available buoyancy, with expected ML CAPE values in the 1000-2000 j/kg range. The presence of the above referenced front, along with the approach of a convectively induced short-wave from the west, will allow convection to kick off once again, coincident with maximum heating this afternoon. Consensus from the CAM's suggests convection initiation between 1 and 3 pm for central PA. As for the prospects for severe weather, the atmosphere is decently sheared over a deep layer, but with the lower levels are perhaps showing a bit less turning with height than yesterday (expected 0-1 km SRH of 100-150 m2/s2). Also, the orientation of the deep-layered shear vector vs. that of the stationary front also suggests perhaps a quicker transition to clusters/linear features than what we observed yesterday (when we had numerous supercells). The threats for damaging winds and large hail in the more robust updrafts, along with isolated tornadoes, are certainly still prevalent. Given antecedent conditions and the threat for more repeat development later today, isolated flash flooding is also possible, and the Watch for most of central PA will stay in tact. We'll be monitoring convective trends closely in the next few hours. Previous discussion... Still bits of showers lingering in the SE and a batch here in the central mtns at 6 AM. But, there does appear to be a dry line moving down between CLE and PBZ. This should help us have a little break for some of the morning hours. Latest guidance pushes the thunder through a little faster than earlier expectations. This would be a good signal for less flooding potential. However, I will only add a quicker end/southward sag to the precip, and keep QPF similar for now. && .SHORT TERM /7 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/... Convection should be rolling thru the srn half of the area at the beginning of the short term. The threat for heavy rain remains, with the soundings very wet. Much of the forcing from the main short wave will be gone by 06Z. So, this should be a good time to drop the flood watch. Mins could be in the 50s in the north, but muggy 60s elsewhere. Thursday could hold more severe weather, with a MRGL risk for svr wx and SLGT-MRGL risk for excessive rainfall over central PA. We will have a day to hone in on the extent and possible severity, but the timing of everything looks similar to the last few days. MCS in the Midwest overnight, forcing here during the daylight hrs. Maxes will probably be a little cooler than today as the heights will fall a little and 8H temps 2-3C cooler on the whole. && .LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... We should get a short break in the train of storms on Friday as a more-significant trough swings thru and dry air moves in behind the cold front associated with the upper trough. Precip chances begin to pick up again either Sat or Sunday depending on your flavor of guidance as the next wave drops down across the Great Lakes, sharpening the trough. && .AVIATION /15Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... Weak showers continue to move through the Southeast and NW corners of central PA this morning. MVFR cigs at BFD and IPT with IFR cigs at DUJ and FIG. Overall VFR cigs and vsbys will dominate through the morning hours. This will allow for a brief improvement for the day Wednesday. However, another round of widespread showers and thunderstorms is expected with storms focused along and south along I 80. Expect periods of MVFR to IFR cigs and vsby restrictions in -TSRA, though giving variance of timing have left out TEMPO groups in TAFS. Best chance for thunder will be after 18Z lingering possibly until 06Z. .Outlook... Thu...AM low cigs possible W Mtns. Scattered PM TSRA impacts possible. Fri-Sat...No sig wx expected. Sun...Scattered TSRA impacts with cold frontal passage. && .CTP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for PAZ010>012-017>019- 024>028-033-034-045-046-049>053-056>059-063-066. && SYNOPSIS...Dangelo NEAR TERM...Jurewicz/Dangelo SHORT TERM...Dangelo LONG TERM...Martin AVIATION...Jung/Ceru
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service State College PA 336 AM EDT Wed May 29 2019 PAZ004>006-037-041-042-300745- Warren-McKean-Potter-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan- 336 AM EDT Wed May 29 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds 60 mph or greater and large hail exceeding 1 inch in diameter are possible today, mainly after Noon. An isolated weak, short-lived tornado is also possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Strong to severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and small hail are possible on Thursday afternoon. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ010>012-017>019-024>028-033-034-045-046-049>053-056>059-063-066- 300745- Elk-Cameron-Northern Clinton-Clearfield-Northern Centre- Southern Centre-Cambria-Blair-Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata-Somerset- Bedford-Southern Clinton-Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour- Northumberland-Columbia-Perry-Dauphin-Schuylkill-Lebanon-Cumberland- Lancaster- 336 AM EDT Wed May 29 2019 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov/StateCollege on the internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds 60 mph or greater and large hail exceeding 1 inch in diameter are probable today, mainly after noon and before midnight. A few tornadoes are also possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Strong to severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and small hail are possible Thursday afternoon and evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ035-036-064-065-300745- Fulton-Franklin-Adams-York- 336 AM EDT Wed May 29 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds 60 mph or greater and large hail exceeding 1 inch in diameter are probable today, mainly between late afternoon and midnight. A few tornadoes are also possible. Some of these thunderstorms may produce heavy rain, and could also lead to isolated areas of minor flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Strong to severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and small hail are possible on Thursday afternoon and evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
1230 PM EDT Wed May 29 2019
PAZ004-005-291700-
McKean PA-Warren PA-
1230 PM EDT Wed May 29 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT PARTS OF WARREN AND MCKEAN
COUNTIES UNTIL 100 PM EDT...
At 1230 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near
Sheffield, moving east at 40 mph.
winds in excess of 40 mph and Pea size hail are possible.
Locations impacted include...
Kane, Sheffield, Wetmore, Ludlow, Westline, Chapman State Park,
Kinzua Bridge State Park, Mount Jewett, Clarendon and Bradford
Airport.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 4181 7855 4163 7861 4162 7895 4165 7923
4181 7918
TIME...MOT...LOC 1630Z 274DEG 37KT 4171 7910
RXRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
1251 PM EDT Wed May 29 2019
PAZ024-025-291715-
Blair PA-Cambria PA-
1251 PM EDT Wed May 29 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT PARTS OF BLAIR AND CAMBRIA
COUNTIES UNTIL 115 PM EDT...
At 1250 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near
Ebensburg, moving east at 40 mph.
winds in excess of 40 mph and Penny size hail are possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Lilly and Loretto around 1255 PM EDT.
Cresson, Sankertown and Gallitzin around 100 PM EDT.
Horseshoe Curve around 105 PM EDT.
Hollidaysburg, Lakemont and Duncansville around 110 PM EDT.
Altoona, Canoe Creek State Park and Royer around 115 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Tunnelhill, Spring
Hill, Cassandra, East Freedom and Ashville.
LAT...LON 4062 7817 4060 7818 4059 7818 4056 7820
4053 7817 4054 7815 4049 7815 4049 7814
4046 7814 4035 7823 4034 7880 4052 7883
TIME...MOT...LOC 1650Z 263DEG 42KT 4044 7870
JurewiczThe State College radar (KCCX), 106 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:55 UTC.
38 thunderstorm wind, 4 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and wires in Kane.
A severe thunderstorm produced quarter-sized hail in Tyrone.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees onto Hills Creek Lake Road.
A severe thunderstorm produced golf ball sized hail near Loganton.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees onto Kepple Road in Jackson Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 80 mph knocked down a few trees, destroyed a shed and knocked a flatbed truck onto its side near Whitneyville.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a utility pole onto East Valley Road (Route 880).
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees just west of Covington.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees onto Route 120, closing portions of it between Renovo and Lock Haven.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and wires at Golf Course Road and Crawford Road in Sinking Valley.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees in Barr Township.
A severe thunderstorm produced ping pong ball sized hail north of McAlisterville.
A severe thunderstorm produced quarter-sized hail near Richfield.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a tree across Castle Farms Road west of Altoona.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees in Jersey Shore.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees and wires in Lock Haven.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees and wires in Pine Creek Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and wires onto West 1st Street in Bloomsburg.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a tree across Route 22 near Flowing Spring Road.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down or snapped southwest of Barbours.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees in Muncy Creek Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 80 mph knocked down numerous trees and wires near R.B. Winter State Park. Dozens of evergreen trees were snapped.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees on Muddy Run Road and Paradise Road in Turbot Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 70 mph knocked down trees and wires across Route 192, closing the Road. 50 to 100 trees were knocked down in West Buffalo Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a tree across a road in Davidsville.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and wires in Saville, Centre and Spring Townships.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees on Hoffa Mill Road west of Lewisburg.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down dozens of trees across northern Bedford County and destroyed a mobile home on Sherman's Valley Road.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 70 mph knocked down numerous trees across Lebanon County.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a tree across Somerset Pike near Jennerstown.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a tree across a road near Stoystown.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down large trees in Three Springs.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a barn and multiple pine trees near Burnt Cabins.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph snapped trees near Fort Loudon.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees in Pine Grove Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees near Upper Strasburg.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees west of Shippensburg.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees and wires in West Lebanon Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees near Elk Drive in Hanover.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees in New Salem.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees onto structures in the 400 block of Smith Street in York.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees across the southbound lanes of I-80 near Leader Heights.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, May 2019
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: 830343, 829106, 830353, 829109, 830355, 830356, 830357, 830363, 830365, 830368, 830370, 829117, 829120, 830372, 830373, 830377, 830378, 830379, 830380, 830381, 830382, 830383, 830384, 830386, 830387, 830388, 830390, 830403, 830404, 830408, 830409, 830412, 830414, 831448, 831449, 831451, 831452, 831454, 831456, 831458, and more.