Pennsylvania, 2020

Damaging Winds in Pennsylvania, November 15, 2020

November 15, 2020 · NWS PHI · 64 events in 10 counties and zones

Strong low pressure moved through the Great Lakes on November 15, 2020. As it did so, it pushed a warm front through the mid-Atlantic during the late morning and early afternoon hours, causing unseasonably warm conditions to develop.

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
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
64

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 PHI wrote it up.

Strong low pressure moved through the Great Lakes on November 15, 2020. As it did so, it pushed a warm front through the mid-Atlantic during the late morning and early afternoon hours, causing unseasonably warm conditions to develop. Strong mid and upper level dynamics associated with this low pressure caused linear convection to develop ahead of its associated cold front early in the day. While instability ahead of the front was very limited, the strong frontal forcing combined with extreme wind fields allowed two primary lines of convection to form and produce severe convective wind gusts as they moved east. One of these lines tracked into the eastern mid-Atlantic and towards the coast during the evening hours. It produced widespread wind gusts of around 60 mph, with a number of reports of downed trees and power lines and localized property damage across the region.

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 Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Nov 15, 5:50 PM EST, 40 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Nov 15, 5:50 PM EST, 40 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
550 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

.SYNOPSIS...
An intense surface low will lift northeast through southeast
Canada, with an attendant cold front surging through the
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic tonight. A reinforcing cold front
will move through the region Monday night and Tuesday. Strong
high pressure will build into the eastern U.S. Wednesday and
linger through the following weekend.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/...
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for the entire area
until 11 pm.

A rapidly intensifying surface low moving through the Great
Lakes region will lift northeast into Canada this afternoon, as
an intense upper-level jet streak noses into the Mid-Atlantic. A
cold front is surging through the Ohio Valley, where a
convective band has developed. With 50-70 kt low-level winds,
the convection has easily mixed severe-caliber wind gusts to the
surface in portions of Indiana and Ohio late this morning, and
convection-allowing models (CAMs) indicate maintenance of this
convective band all the way to the East Coast through the
evening hours. Meanwhile, in advance of the front, strong
southerly flow has developed, with diabatic heating sufficient
to mix these winds to the surface. Widespread gusts of 25 to 40
mph should be expected during the afternoon across the area,
with locally stronger gusts at the coast. Current wind advisory
looks sufficient in accordance with this threat (and with the
subsequent post-frontal winds during the late evening; see
below). There should be a relative lull in wind gusts after 4 pm
as diabatic heating wanes (and before the front arrives).

Based on CAM guidance, the convective band should generally
reach the area in the 22z to 03z time frame. Strong wind gusts
are likely in association with downward momentum transfer via
the precipitation-cooled downdrafts. With winds aloft in the
40-60 kt range, expect decent coverage of strong to damaging
gusts. SPC has increased the Day-1 convective outlook to a
slight risk, which appears quite reasonable.

Given the impressive dynamics of the system, shear is off the
charts (0-6 km bulk wind difference 80+ kt). Combined with
strong lift along the front (in the virtual absence of ambient
instability), convective organization is likely to be
maintained through the CWA during the evening hours. Little or
no lightning is expected with the convection given the
unfavorable buoyancy profiles, but this most certainly will not
limit the wind threat posed by the convection.

Once the front moves through the area (and the showers move
offshore), post-frontal winds will be the primary concern.
Upstream observations today indicate advisory-to-warning level
surface winds in the immediate wake of the front (via
isallobaric forcing; midday pressure rises of 2-4+ mb per 2
hours observed in the Midwest). Certainly cannot rule out
advisory-level winds in our area, though the unfavorable time of
day for efficient mixing, the increasing distance from the
surface low, and latest model sounding analysis all suggest
being just shy of advisory criteria at this time. However, we
will continue to monitor upstream observations to determine if
models are underplaying this potential for our area.

Breezy conditions should continue on Monday as the low tracks
through Quebec. The pressure gradient will slowly relax during
the day, so not expecting product-worthy winds by this time.
Despite a mostly sunny day, cold advection will keep
temperatures on the chilly side, likely a few degrees below
seasonal averages.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
A fairly vigorous vort max will move through the Northeast on
Monday night, which will allow for another cold front to sweep
through the area by Tuesday morning. The perturbation will be
moisture-starved, but given the strong large-scale ascent via
differential cyclonic vorticity advection, would expect a few
showers to develop in proximity to the passage of the trough
(highest chances late Monday night to early Tuesday afternoon).
Temperatures will likely be cold enough for some snow showers
in the Poconos, Lehigh Valley, and northern New Jersey.
Attendant to the cold front, showers may be somewhat squally in
nature, with model soundings at least hinting at this prospect
(mixing to the 900-800 mb layer; a fairly deep layer of
saturation allowing for marginal instability of surface-based
parcels). Nevertheless, not expecting significant impacts with
the system, with most locations safely above freezing and
precipitation coverage sparse.

Strong cold advection on the upstream side of the front will
allow for another round of strong winds Tuesday afternoon
through Wednesday, though model soundings indicate winds should
fall short of advisory criteria since winds up to 800 mb are
expected to be generally under 40 kt. However, the breezy
conditions combined with the cold air filtering into the region
should make for low wind chills. By Tuesday night, wind chills
near 10 degrees are possible in the Poconos and northwest New
Jersey and in the 20s in most of the rest of the CWA. Only about
ten degrees of wind-chill recovery are likely on Wednesday,
though speeds will be diminishing with time as high pressure
approaches from the Ohio Valley by the end of the day.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Another lengthy warm and quiet period is expected for the end of
the week into the coming weekend, though some questions exist
regarding pattern evolution late in the period.

Surface high pressure will build into the region Wednesday
night, and this will be the night we see the coldest
temperatures of the season so far. Virtually all of the CWA will
be below freezing, and lows in the Poconos and far northwest New
Jersey will likely be in the teens.

The surface high will linger across the eastern U.S. through the
rest of the week, though its axis will shift south and east of
the northern Mid-Atlantic on Thursday and Friday. This will
occur in tandem with midlevel flow becoming zonal and upper-
level ridging developing in the Gulf of Mexico. With the
evolving synoptic pattern, the surface high will have nowhere to
move, with a lengthy period of southwesterly flow for our area.
The result will be a long dry period with warming temperatures.
After Wednesday's highs 10-15+ degrees below average, the
following two days will feature about 6-9 degrees of warming
each.

By the weekend, the forecast becomes a little more uncertain as
the upper-level pattern features amplified troughing in the
central U.S. with multiple perturbations interacting. Models
have been fairly disparate in their solutions the past couple of
days, but the general trend for our area is to keep the
influence of the surface ridge to our south and east longer. As
such, have non-mentionable PoPs through Sunday with slightly
higher-than-average temperatures. One thing to watch will be if
a backdoor front moves into the region as a surface high races
east into southeast Canada and New England, as depicted by a
subset of operational guidance. If so, highs may end up being a
little lower than forecast.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG,
KILG, KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.

Through this evening... MVFR CIGs may develop by mid to late
afternoon especially near RDG and ABE, though expecting most
areas to remain mainly VFR. Winds will generally continue to
increase and become more southerly before 00Z. Gusts in excess
of 30 kts are possible along and especially south of I-95. Areas
of LLWS are also possible, especially before 00Z. In addition,
a line of heavy showers will move through this evening, mainly
from 22z to 03z from west to east. A brief period of higher wind
gusts to 40-50 kts is possible as these showers pass, and a
rumble of thunder is also possible. Winds will shift from
southerly to south- southwesterly as the showers approach, then
shift sharply to west or west-southwest behind them. Overall,
moderate confidence in all aspects of the TAFs, though some
refinement will likely be needed with time.

Tonight... Following the departure of rain showers, which should
mainly occur before 03Z, VFR conditions are expected. Westerly winds
of 10 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt are expected. Some locally higher
gusts are possible early. Gusts may drop off after 09Z. High
confidence.

Monday...Mainly VFR with west winds 10 to 20 kt with higher
gusts possible. High confidence.

Outlook...

Monday night and Tuesday...Mainly VFR, though there will at
least be a slight chance of showers, especially late Monday
night through Tuesday morning. Light west or southwest winds
Monday night becoming northwest 15 to 25 kt with higher gusts by
Tuesday afternoon. Moderate confidence.

Tuesday night through Wednesday...VFR with northwest winds 15 to
25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt Tuesday night, diminishing slowly
on Wednesday. High confidence.

Wednesday night...VFR with light and variable winds. High
confidence.

Thursday through Friday...Mainly VFR with south to southwest
winds 5 to 15 kt. Moderate confidence.

&&

.MARINE...
Conditions have deteriorated on the waters, with high-level
advisory conditions occurring in most locations with occasional
gale-force gusts on Delaware Bay and the Delaware Atlantic
coastal waters. Winds will continue to increase late today
through the evening as a strong cold front approaches. By late
evening, the front will move through the waters, with a burst of
very strong wind gusts likely (40 to 50+ kt possible), followed
by a period of gale-force northwesterly winds.

Winds will diminish slowly through Monday, with gales likely
ending by or shortly after dawn. Advisory conditions will
continue through the day, with northwest winds 15 to 25 kt and
gusts to 30 kt or so and seas of 4 to 6 feet.

Outlook...

Monday night through Tuesday...Lingering advisory conditions
anticipated on the Atlantic waters Monday night, though a
period of sub-advisory conditions is possible by Tuesday
morning. Winds will increase again by Tuesday afternoon to
advisory criteria. For Delaware Bay, mainly sub-advisory
conditions Monday night and Tuesday morning before conditions
deteriorate Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday night...Northwest gales possible.

Wednesday...Advisory-level northwest winds are expected to
continue, though a diminishing trend will occur during the day.

Wednesday night...Sub-advisory conditions expected.

Thursday through Friday...Winds become southwest on Thursday and
may increase to advisory levels late in the day through early
Friday morning before diminishing.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
The coastal flood advisory for the tidal Delaware River expires
at 4 pm.

Additionally, we have issued a coastal flood advisory for the
eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, where the latest low tides have
been about 0.3-0.6 feet above model forecasts. Extrapolating
this to this evening's high tide, this would place Tolchester
Beach at advisory-level flooding and Claiborne reasonably
close. With strong south winds expected to continue this
afternoon, expect models to remain much too low with forecast
water levels.

&&

.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...None.
NJ...Wind Advisory until 10 PM EST this evening for NJZ013-014-020-
     022>027.
DE...Wind Advisory until 10 PM EST this evening for DEZ004.
MD...Coastal Flood Advisory until 8 PM EST this evening for MDZ015-
     019-020.
     Coastal Flood Advisory until 11 PM EST this evening for MDZ012.
MARINE...Gale Warning until 6 AM EST Monday for ANZ431-450>455.
     Gale Warning until midnight EST tonight for ANZ430.

&&

Synopsis...CMS
Near Term...CMS/MPS
Short Term...CMS
Long Term...CMS
Aviation...CMS/Staarmann
Marine...CMS
Tides/Coastal Flooding...WFO PHI
Hazardous weather outlook, Nov 15, 5:42 PM EST, 48 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
542 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

DEZ001>003-NJZ001-007>010-012-015>019-021-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-
101>106-162300-
New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-
Somerset-Middlesex-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden-
Northwestern Burlington-Cumberland-Carbon-Monroe-Berks-Lehigh-
Northampton-Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester-Eastern Chester-
Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks-
542 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 511 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Delaware, northern
Delaware, southern Delaware, central New Jersey, northern New
Jersey, northwest New Jersey, southern New Jersey, east central
Pennsylvania, northeast Pennsylvania and southeast 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.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

MDZ012-162300-
Kent MD-
542 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THIS EVENING...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 511 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland.

.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.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

MDZ015-019-020-162300-
Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-
542 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EST THIS EVENING...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 511 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland.

.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.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

DEZ004-NJZ013-014-020-022>027-162300-
Delaware Beaches-Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Ocean-Atlantic-
Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean-
Southeastern Burlington-
542 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 511 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Delaware, central
New Jersey and southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.
   Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

ANZ431-450>455-162300-
Delaware Bay waters south of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE-
Coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Little Egg Inlet to Great Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Great Egg Inlet to Cape May NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape May NJ to Cape Henlopen DE out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Henlopen to Fenwick Island DE out 20 nm-
542 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST MONDAY...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 511 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters and
Delaware Bay Waters.

.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.
   Gale Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Gale-force wind gusts are possible on Tuesday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

ANZ430-162300-
Delaware Bay waters north of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE-
542 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 511 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Delaware Bay Waters.

.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.
   Gale Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Gale-force wind gusts are possible on Tuesday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

MPS

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Nov 15, 3:11 PM EST, 3 hours 19 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
311 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054-
055-060>062-070-071-101>106-160000-
New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-Cecil-Kent MD-
Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-
Somerset-Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-
Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland-
Atlantic-Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic-
Coastal Ocean-Southeastern Burlington-Carbon-Monroe-Berks-Lehigh-
Northampton-Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester-Eastern Chester-
Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks-
Including the cities of Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown,
Rehoboth Beach, Andora, Appleton, Barksdale, Bay View, Blake,
Bohemias Mills, Brantwood, Chestertown, Centreville, Easton,
Denton, Newton, Washington, Morristown, Flemington, Somerville,
New Brunswick, Freehold, Sandy Hook, Trenton, Pennsville,
Glassboro, Camden, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Mount Holly, Jackson,
Millville, Hammonton, Cape May Court House, Ocean City,
Atlantic City, Long Beach Island, Wharton State Forest,
Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, Media,
Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, West Chester, Kennett Square,
Collegeville, Pottstown, Norristown, Lansdale, Chalfont,
Perkasie, Morrisville, and Doylestown
311 PM EST Sun Nov 15 2020

...LINE OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND SOME EMBEDDED THUNDERSTORMS WITH
STRONG TO POTENTIALLY DAMAGING WIND GUSTS THIS EVENING...

A line of heavy showers and some embedded thunderstorms will race
across the region from west to east between 6 PM and 10 PM. There is
the potential for damaging wind gusts to around 60 mph with the
line. Therefore, some damage to trees and power lines is possible
which can result in some power outages. The line may be accompanied
by little or no lightning, therefore do not wait until you hear
thunder to seek shelter. Stay weather aware through this evening.

Gorse

The radar

The Philadelphia radar (KDIX), 150 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:29 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

64 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:30 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.89 mi WSW of Centerport
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.473, -76.034

A tree was downed on Irish Creek Rd near Bellemans Church Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carbon

When
November 15, 6:30 PM EST
Where
Carbon County, 0.69 mi N of Hudsondale
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
40.930, -75.850

A tree was downed into wires near Brenkman Dr. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:33 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.87 mi NW of West Hamburg
Measured
54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.560, -76.010

Measured in a Lowe's parking lot with a Kestrel 5000. Power flashes were observed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:35 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.72 mi WNW of (Rdg)spaatz Fld Read
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.390, -76.000

A spotter estimated wind gusts of 60 mph with downed tree limbs in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:39 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.18 mi N of Angelica
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.287, -75.949

A tree and wires were downed near Church Rd and New Holland Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:40 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.85 mi N of Blandon
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.442, -75.882

A utility pole and wires were downed near Spirit Ct and Park Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 6:41 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, Lynnport
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
40.680, -75.800

A tree was downed in the area along with a power outage. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:42 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.55 mi SSW of Pricetown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.423, -75.824

A tree and wires were downed near Memorial Highway and Erhardt Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carbon

When
November 15, 6:42 PM EST
Where
Carbon County, 1.44 mi SSW of Germans
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
40.751, -75.761

A tree was downed into wires near Germans Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:44 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.85 mi NNW of Seyfert
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.291, -75.887

A tree was downed on Seyfert Dr. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:44 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.09 mi WSW of Shillington
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.300, -75.972

A tree was downed onto a car on Madison St. No injuries. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:44 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.53 mi E of Five Pts
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.370, -75.820

A tree was downed on Friedensberg Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:45 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.73 mi ESE of Angelica
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.260, -75.920

A tree and wires were downed near Morgantown Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:45 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1 mi E of Jacksonwald
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.332, -75.831

A tree and wires were downed on Stonehenge Dr. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 6:45 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 0.52 mi W of Germansville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.700, -75.710

A 13 inch diameter tree limb was downed. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:46 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.69 mi N of Monterey
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.540, -75.730

An mPing report of trees and wires down in this area. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 6:46 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 0.31 mi W of Lehigh Furnace
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
40.751, -75.686

A tree was downed into wires near Furnace Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:48 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.87 mi NE of Monterey
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
40.540, -75.720

An NWS storm survey was conducted on a severe straight-line wind |event which occurred on Sunday evening in Maxatawny Township in |Berks County PA about 4 miles ENE of Kutztown. A severe surge of |winds began along Kunkel Road where substantial damage occurred |to a single family home and the surrounding property. Several |trees were snapped or uprooted and yard toys were tossed up to 200|yards away from the property. The winds partially lifted the |front porch roof, but did not completely blow it off the house. |The winds swept across nearby fields and struck a large barn, |uprooting and snapping a few more trees along the way. The barn |was almost completely destroyed, suffering outer wall collapse and|partial roof removal. A few trees around the barn were also |uprooted or snapped and a nearby shed was tossed off its |foundation and completely destroyed. Some minor cosmetic damage |occurred to the adjacent farm home. Nearby fields were strewn with|tree and structural debris as well as debris from the yard toys.

The winds continued across a rural area for about another 1.5|miles sweeping across fields and snapping trees along the way.|Most notably, a line of trees near Grim Road over 100 yards in |width were all snapped. Some unharvested, dead corn fields along|Albright Road suffered large swaths of blown over corn stalks. A|home near the downed field of corn stalks suffered some minor|cosmetic damage. The surge of winds ended near a farm on Route |863 where a barn roof was partially removed and a tree was |snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:52 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.39 mi WSW of Shanesville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.368, -75.707

A tree was downed near West Philadelphia Ave and School House Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:53 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 0.65 mi NNW of Yellow House
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.328, -75.756

A tree and wires were downed near Covered Bridge Rd and Memorial Hwy in Oley Twp. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:54 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.07 mi S of Shanesville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.355, -75.701

A tree was downed on Sunset Hill Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berks

When
November 15, 6:56 PM EST
Where
Berks County, 1.51 mi NW of Gabelsville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.343, -75.693

A tree was downed near the intersection of Laurel Rd and Pine Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When
November 15, 6:56 PM EST
Where
Monroe County, 1.57 mi SSW of Pocono
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
41.100, -75.413

A tree was downed on Sullivan Trail near Long Pond Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 6:58 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 0.79 mi ESE of Cetronia
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
40.574, -75.517

Trees and wires were downed near Lindberg Ave. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When
November 15, 6:59 PM EST
Where
Monroe County, Hunkletown
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.850, -75.450

Several trees downed in the area. Time based on nearby observed wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 7:00 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 0.69 mi N of Coplay
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.680, -75.500

An mPing report of tree limbs down. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When
November 15, 7:00 PM EST
Where
Monroe County, 0.38 mi E of Hunkletown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
40.849, -75.443

A tree was downed in wires near Fiddletown Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 7:04 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 0.69 mi N of Hosensack
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
40.460, -75.500

A tree was downed into a vehicle. No injuries or entrapments occurred. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 7:05 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 1.26 mi ESE of East Penn Jct
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
40.590, -75.430

A tree was downed into wires, which were still energized as of the report. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 7:06 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.47 mi E of Sassamansville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.348, -75.542

A tree was downed on Layfield Rd near Deep Creek Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bucks

When
November 15, 7:08 PM EST
Where
Bucks County, 0.72 mi NNE of Steinsburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
40.480, -75.417

A tree was downed in wires near Grant Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lehigh

When
November 15, 7:10 PM EST
Where
Lehigh County, 2.1 mi NE of Coopersburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.540, -75.350

An mPing report of trees uprooted or snapped. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:12 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.13 mi WNW of Cedarville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.235, -75.691

A tree was downed on Scholl Rd near West Schuylkill Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When
November 15, 7:12 PM EST
Where
Monroe County, 1.38 mi SE of Mt Zion
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
41.008, -75.209

A tree was downed on Christopher St near North 5th St. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When
November 15, 7:12 PM EST
Where
Northampton County, 0.87 mi SW of Pen Argyl
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.860, -75.280

Several large trees and limbs were downed in this area. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:14 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.18 mi NNW of Glenmoore
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.115, -75.780

A tree was downed on Little Conestoga Rd near Mapleflower Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When
November 15, 7:14 PM EST
Where
Monroe County, 3.13 mi E of Canadensis Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
41.214, -75.190

A tree was downed into wires near Browns Lake Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When
November 15, 7:14 PM EST
Where
Northampton County, 0.69 mi N of Copella
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.810, -75.330

Trees and wires were downed in Bushkill Twp.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 7:15 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.58 mi E of Niantic
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.380, -75.550

Power poles and lines were downed near West Branch Rd and Wild Run Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When
November 15, 7:16 PM EST
Where
Northampton County, 0.52 mi E of Pen Argyl
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.870, -75.260

Trees and wires were downed in Penn Argyl Borough.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When
November 15, 7:17 PM EST
Where
Northampton County, 0.87 mi NW of Martins Creek Jct
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.840, -75.210

Trees and wires were downed in Washington Twp.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:18 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.17 mi N of Reeceville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.047, -75.799

A tree was downed near Culbertson Run Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Northampton

When
November 15, 7:18 PM EST
Where
Northampton County, 0.87 mi SW of Easton Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.720, -75.260

An mPing report of tree limbs down. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bucks

When
November 15, 7:22 PM EST
Where
Bucks County, 1.05 mi W of Weisel
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.430, -75.270

An mPing report of downed tree limbs. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:24 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 2.03 mi N of Downingtown Meml Arp
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.009, -75.746

Trees and wires were downed near the Route 30 Bypass near Route 340 and Bondsville Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:24 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.55 mi SSE of Parker Ford
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.192, -75.577

A tree was downed on Schuykill Rd near Reitnour Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:26 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.67 mi SE of Lyndell
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.051, -75.711

A tree was downed on Longfields Way near Dorian Mill Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:36 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.61 mi ESE of Frazier
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.028, -75.559

A tree was downed on Frazer Rd near King Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 7:36 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.34 mi N of Audubon
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.149, -75.427

A tree was downed on Eagleville Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bucks

When
November 15, 7:40 PM EST
Where
Bucks County, 1.57 mi WNW of Fricks
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Utility Company
Coordinates
40.313, -75.275

A tree was downed in wires near Keystone Dr. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:40 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.3 mi SW of Paoli
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.048, -75.475

A tree was downed on Bearhill Rd near East Central Ave. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 7:41 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.06 mi W of Norristown
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.120, -75.350

The roof was partially blown off of a building in Norristown. Time estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:44 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 0.61 mi W of Colonial Vlg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.069, -75.411

A tree was downed on Berkshire Dr near Pugh Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chester

When
November 15, 7:44 PM EST
Where
Chester County, 1.59 mi NE of Chesterbrook
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.088, -75.430

A tree was downed on Richards Rd near Thomas Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Delaware

When
November 15, 7:50 PM EST
Where
Delaware County, 1.26 mi ENE of Newton Square
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.990, -75.380

An mPing report of downed tree limbs and wires. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 7:52 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.53 mi W of Ivy Rock
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.070, -75.310

Several reports of downed tree limbs in Lower Merion Twp. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Delaware

When
November 15, 7:54 PM EST
Where
Delaware County, 0.53 mi E of Village Green
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.870, -75.420

An mPing report of tree limbs down. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Delaware

When
November 15, 7:54 PM EST
Where
Delaware County, 0.53 mi E of Village Green
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.870, -75.420

An mPing report of tree limbs down. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 7:54 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.06 mi NNE of Ft Washington
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.145, -75.216

A tree and wires were downed on Ambler Rd near Ellerslie Ave. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 8:00 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, Willow Grove
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
40.150, -75.100

A large falling tree limb brought down wires onto Terwood Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
November 15, 8:00 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.53 mi E of North Hills
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.150, -75.120

Several trees were downed in the area. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Philadelphia

When
November 15, 8:02 PM EST
Where
Philadelphia County, 1.06 mi W of West Philadelphia
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.950, -75.200

An mPing report of tree limbs down. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Philadelphia

When
November 15, 8:06 PM EST
Where
Philadelphia County, 0.87 mi SE of Philadelphia
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.940, -75.160

An mPing report of downed tree limbs. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Philadelphia

When
November 15, 8:10 PM EST
Where
Philadelphia County, 1.26 mi WNW of Tacony
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.030, -75.050

An mPing report of trees and power lines down. Time estimated from radar.

What these are

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.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, November 2020

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: 925115, 925116, 925111, 925113, 925117, 925118, 925119, 925120, 925122, 925124, 925126, 925127, 925129, 925130, 925131, 925132, 925133, 925135, 925136, 925138, 925140, 925143, 925144, 925151, 925152, 925153, 925155, 925156, 925157, 925159, 925162, 925163, 925166, 925169, 925172, 925173, 925174, 925175, 925177, 925178, and more.