A cold front crossed central Pennsylvania during the late afternoon and early evening of March 19, 2022. A line of showers and thunderstorms developed ahead of the front in a high shear, low CAPE 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.
A cold front crossed central Pennsylvania during the late afternoon and early evening of March 19, 2022. A line of showers and thunderstorms developed ahead of the front in a high shear, low CAPE environment. The strongest segment of this line produced wind damage in Schuylkill 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 Mar 19, 2:45 PM EST, 1 hour 36 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service State College PA 345 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022 .SYNOPSIS... Unseasonably warm start to the weekend with a round of scattered severe thunderstorms possible in east-central Pennsylvania later this afternoon into early evening. Temperatures will trend noticeably cooler for the first day of Spring with gusty northwest winds and rain/snow showers over the Alleghenies on Sunday. Mainly dry and seasonal start to next week with wet weather returning Wednesday into Thursday. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM SUNDAY MORNING/... 245PM/1845Z: Storms will continue to increase in coverage and intensity over the next few hours, and watch may be needed. *Probability of watch issuance 60% per SPC MCD #285 Radar trends show increasing coverage of fast- moving, low-topped convection in advance of vortmax over OH and accompanying speed max/cooling aloft. This should also enhance deep-layer shear. We are still expecting low-topped convection currently over the west-central Alleghenies to intensify as it moves eastward into the Susquehanna Valley (east-central PA or into zone of max heating/destablization. Low-level wind fields are not particularly strong, but effective SRH may increase to around 200 m2/s2 by late afternoon across eastern PA, favoring a supercell or two. Otherwise, hodographs are elongated with will most likely favor cellular storm mode with near-severe limits possible. Steepening lapse rates and further heating may also favor strong wind gusts as well. MaxT heading toward near-record levels at KMDT. Previous Discussion Issued: 1254 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022 Broken line of showers extend from KN38/KUNV/K2G9 early this afternoon. We continue to anticipate an uptick in low- topped convection this afternoon expanding from the west- central Alleghenies eastward into the Susquehanna Valley btwn 20-24Z. Latest mesoanalysis trends continue to indicate increasing moisture and instability ahead of the cold front across east- central PA, but buoyancy will not be robust and generally limited to 500 J/kg MLCAPE. That said, significant shear profiles should support some low-topped rotating storms particularly toward the Pocono region where differential heating/psuedo warm frontal boundary may enhance low level shear. SPC has re-introduced the 5% tor prob focused over this area with the 1630Z D1 update. We will be messaging SPC shortly concerning potential for watch. Previous Discussion Issued: 1038 AM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022 A few adjustments to near term forecast this morning. Added a few degrees to maxT based on current obs and tendency for over- performance ahead of sharp springtime FROPAs. Radar shows initial batch of rain showers tracking northeast across the NW Alleghenies at mid morning. Hires model data shows an uptick in shower activity/low-topped convection expanding across the western into the central Alleghenies through early afternoon. Latest RAP trends/fcst from SPC meso page shows airmass over east-central PA will become increasingly unstable through 20Z. 50-60 kt effective bulk shear will favor updrafts with mid-level rotation. A mix of discrete cells and small clusters should evolve across eastern portions of CPA with scattered damaging winds, isolated severe hail, and a brief tornado or two the primary threats. Previous Discussion Issued: 710 AM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022 A potent shortwave (highlighted by a 115 kt swrly upper jet max heading NE from the Tenn valley) embedded in a large scale upper trough over the Midwest will accelerate northeastward over the upper Ohio River Valley and Northern Mid-Atlantic states later this morning and this afternoon. The associated surface low will push northeastward through lower Great Lakes and up the St. Lawrence Valley, with an initial lee trough between the Central Mtns and Susq Valley, followed by a southward trailing cold front sweeping across Central PA during the afternoon and early evening hours. Enhanced UVVEL associated with the left-exit region of an upper-level jet will pass overhead Saturday afternoon, and the 12Z HREF shows increasing shear and instability. As a result, much of central PA and all of Eastern PA is under a SLGT risk for severe storms this afternoon. The primary severe weather threat will be localized damaging gusts associated with fast- moving, low-topped Quasi-supercell storms. There is also a low, risk of a few isolated, weak tornadoes across the Susq Valley and points east this afternoon. && .SHORT TERM /6 AM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/... Behind the cold front, expect a noticeable cooling trend for the first day of Spring with gusty northwest flow adding to what will be a chilly Sunday. Broad cyclonic flow and cold air aloft this time of year usually spells rain/snow showers across the higher elevations spilling southeast into the central ridge and valley region perhaps in the form of cellular/convective rain or graupel showers. MaxTs on Sunday drop back by 20 degrees to the low 40s-50s or at or below daily climo. High pressure building into CPA will bring an end to daytime shower activity with low temps falling into the 30s. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... High pressure ridge reaches western PA by 12Z Monday with quiet wx heading into next week. High pressure early in the week will bring a stretch of dry weather Monday and Tuesday. All medium range guidance then tracks a surface low west of Pa Wednesday/Thursday, with the trailing cold front likely pushing through Thursday PM. Latest ensemble plumes indicate the bulk of the rain will fall between 12Z Wednesday and 06Z Thursday with passage of low level jet and best isentropic lift. If precip where to arrive a bit early, thermal profiles indicate an initial period of snow is not out of the question early Wed over northern Pa. Additional showers could accompany the cold front passage Thursday. Latest ensemble mean qpf indicates the most likely 2-day rain totals will fall between 0.5 and 1 inch. Temperatures should be above average through most of next week within the deep southerly flow ahead of approaching trough. However, expect cooler conditions to set in Friday and Saturday, as upper trough pushes into the area. Cool temps aloft could support a few light showers, mainly over the elevated terrain of the Alleghenies. && .AVIATION /20Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... Broken line of gusty showers along with a few thunderstorms will accompany a cold front crossing the CWA this afternoon. Front is already nearing the Route 15 corridor at 19z, and convective activity is expected to increase as it moves eastward over the next couple of hours. Any storms that impact terminals from KIPT to KMDT/KLNS will be short-lived but could bring brief reductions, thunder and wind gusts in excess of 40 mph. Behind the front, widespread gusty conditions already spreading into western half of CWA. Bufkit soundings support frequent gusts between 30-40mph from late afternoon through the evening hours. Residual low level moisture, combined with upslope flow, should result in falling cigs this evening along the spine of the Alleghenies. Forecast soundings indicate IFR cigs will become likely at KBFD and and KJST by midnight. Downsloping flow will result in more favorable cigs further east. Outlook... Sun...AM low cigs/snow showers possible W Mtns. Mon...Slight chance of rain/snow/low cigs near NY border at night. Tue...No sig wx expected. Wed...PM rain/low cigs possible. Thu...Cig restrictions poss through midday. && .CLIMATE... Record high temperature for Harrisburg is 76F set back in 1898 and 1918. Astronomical Spring (Vernal Equinox) begins on Sunday, March 20 at 11:33AM EDT. && .CTP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SYNOPSIS...Steinbugl NEAR TERM...Steinbugl SHORT TERM...Steinbugl LONG TERM...Ross/Fitzgerald AVIATION...RXR/Banghoff CLIMATE...
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service State College PA 929 AM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022 PAZ004-005-010-011-017-024>026-033>036-201330- Warren-McKean-Elk-Cameron-Clearfield-Cambria-Blair-Huntingdon- Somerset-Bedford-Fulton-Franklin- 929 AM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Isolated strong to locally damaging winds and isolated hail are possible this afternoon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ006-012-018-019-027-028-037-041-042-045-046-049>053-056>059- 063>066-201330- Potter-Northern Clinton-Northern Centre-Southern Centre-Mifflin- Juniata-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan-Southern Clinton- Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour-Northumberland-Columbia-Perry- Dauphin-Schuylkill-Lebanon-Cumberland-Adams-York-Lancaster- 929 AM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Scattered damaging winds 60 mph or greater, isolated severe hail up to an inch in diameter, and a brief tornado or two are the primary severe weather threats this afternoon into early evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. MRS
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
421 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
PAZ036-192100-
Franklin PA-
421 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTY
THROUGH 500 PM EDT...
At 420 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
McConnellsburg, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Chambersburg, Shippensburg, Guilford, St. Thomas, Fayetteville,
Scotland, Fort Loudon, Upper Strasburg, Fannettsburg and Orrstown.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3993 7795 4000 7792 4006 7787 4011 7756
4010 7756 4009 7754 4007 7754 4007 7753
4005 7753 4002 7751 3998 7746 3994 7747
3988 7747
TIME...MOT...LOC 2020Z 271DEG 20KT 3996 7783
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
ColbertSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
432 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
PAZ050>052-192100-
Northumberland PA-Montour PA-Snyder PA-
432 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL NORTHUMBERLAND...
NORTHEASTERN SNYDER AND SOUTHERN MONTOUR COUNTIES THROUGH 500 PM
EDT...
At 432 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Selinsgrove, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Sunbury, Shamokin, Selinsgrove, Danville, Northumberland, Kulpmont,
Elysburg, Fairview-Ferndale, Riverside, Trevorton, Shamokin Dam,
Marshallton, Hummels Wharf, Kreamer, Mechanicsville, Kratzerville,
Mooresburg, Stonington, Edgewood and Freeburg.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4071 7700 4089 7693 4088 7688 4089 7682
4093 7686 4108 7663 4090 7652 4088 7653
4086 7650 4084 7651 4079 7647
TIME...MOT...LOC 2032Z 243DEG 26KT 4076 7690
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
EvanegoSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
439 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
PAZ036-056-057-063-192130-
Perry PA-Franklin PA-Cumberland PA-Dauphin PA-
439 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHERN DAUPHIN...NORTHEASTERN
FRANKLIN...CUMBERLAND AND PERRY COUNTIES THROUGH 530 PM EDT...
At 439 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Newport to near Carlisle to near
Chambersburg. Movement was east at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Harrisburg, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Enola, Shippensburg, Newport,
Plainfield, Schlusser, Boiling Springs, Millersburg, Marysville,
Mount Holly Springs, Lykens, Duncannon, Elizabethville, Williamstown,
Newville, New Bloomfield, New Kingstown and New Buffalo.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
These storms 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 4001 7785 4022 7754 4053 7725 4066 7672
4059 7660 4024 7697 4015 7703 4003 7719
3998 7745
TIME...MOT...LOC 2039Z 248DEG 36KT 4057 7698 4025 7735 4001 7768
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
ColbertSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
452 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
PAZ012-041-045-046-192115-
Southern Lycoming PA-Southern Clinton PA-Northern Clinton PA-
Northern Lycoming PA-
452 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN LYCOMING AND
CENTRAL CLINTON COUNTIES THROUGH 515 PM EDT...
At 451 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Lock Haven, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Lock Haven, Jersey Shore, Mill Hall, Avis, Dunnstown, Flemington,
Castanea, McElhattan, Waterville, Little Pine State Park, Beech
Creek, Salladasburg and Lock Haven University.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4130 7706 4104 7758 4106 7756 4107 7759
4110 7765 4111 7766 4116 7765 4142 7741
TIME...MOT...LOC 2051Z 241DEG 43KT 4116 7756
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
KFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
502 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
PAZ051>053-058-192130-
Columbia PA-Northumberland PA-Montour PA-Schuylkill PA-
502 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN SCHUYLKILL...
SOUTHEASTERN NORTHUMBERLAND...SOUTHEASTERN MONTOUR AND COLUMBIA
COUNTIES THROUGH 530 PM EDT...
At 502 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Bloomsburg to 10 miles southwest of
Shamokin. Movement was northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Bloomsburg, Berwick, Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Frackville, Kulpmont,
Ashland, Elysburg, Fairview-Ferndale, Trevorton, Catawissa,
Girardville, Marshallton, Tower City, Mifflinville, Lightstreet,
Almedia, Lavelle, Fernville and Englewood.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4074 7624 4057 7657 4065 7668 4066 7673
4113 7650 4122 7632 4114 7628 4113 7623
4103 7623 4095 7621
TIME...MOT...LOC 2102Z 246DEG 30KT 4109 7648 4067 7668
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
EvanegoSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
515 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
PAZ041-046-192145-
Southern Lycoming PA-Northern Lycoming PA-
515 PM EDT Sat Mar 19 2022
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL LYCOMING COUNTY
THROUGH 545 PM EDT...
At 515 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Jersey Shore, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Williamsport, Jersey Shore, Cogan Station, Trout Run, Waterville,
Garden View and Salladasburg.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4126 7696 4120 7730 4122 7732 4122 7735
4123 7735 4124 7738 4127 7742 4148 7710
TIME...MOT...LOC 2115Z 246DEG 29KT 4126 7733
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
EvanegoThe State College radar (KCCX), 132 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:20 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and wires on Shamokin Street west of Lavelle.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees in Mahanoy City.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, March 2022
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: 1003520, 1003523.