A cluster of showers and thunderstorms developed over south-central Pennsylvania during the afternoon of July 28, 2023, just south of a frontal boundary that was draped from northwest to southeast across Pennsylvania. This cluster of storms produced sporadic wind damage as it progressed eastward across the Cumberland and Lower Susquehanna valleys.
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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 cluster of showers and thunderstorms developed over south-central Pennsylvania during the afternoon of July 28, 2023, just south of a frontal boundary that was draped from northwest to southeast across Pennsylvania. This cluster of storms produced sporadic wind damage as it progressed eastward across the Cumberland and Lower Susquehanna valleys. Additional showers and storms developed just north of the track of this initial cluster of storms, coagulating into a line that pushed northeastward across the central mountains during the evening hours producing sporadic wind damage in Centre 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 Jul 28, 2:48 PM EST, 1 hour 9 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service State College PA 348 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 .SYNOPSIS... Today will be the hottest day of the summer so far in central PA. The sweltering heat and humidity will increase the risk of heat illnesses. A couple of late-day thundershowers are possible, but the main period for heavy downpours is later tonight into early Saturday morning as a complex of storms drops southeast from the Great Lakes. Strong thunderstorms and isolated flash flooding are possible through Saturday evening before a relatively cooler and less humid airmass arrives Sunday into early next week. Much of next week is expected to be dry for a change. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM SATURDAY MORNING/... Will see a few showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, mainly across the higher terrain of the Alleghenies into the south- central mountains. It will be the hottest day of the summer with max temps in the upper 80s-90s and max heat indices peaking solidly in the advisory criteria 100-104F range across most of south central and southeast PA. Heat index values may well exceed 105 in the Harrisburg and surrounding larger metropolitan areas this afternoon and result in localized dangerously hot conditions. Attention will shift to the northwest or upstream tonight as hi-resolution model data shows one or two convective clusters dropping southeast from the Great Lakes into CPA. Storms will likely contain locally heavy downpours and could pose a strong wind threat. Partly to mostly cloudy and muggy overnight with lows in the 65-75F range or +10-15F above climo. && .SHORT TERM /6 AM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/... Showers and thunderstorms will likely be ongoing Saturday morning particularly across north central PA. As a cold front pushes from north to south through the afternoon, expect additional strong to severe t-storms to develop and pose a risk of damaging winds, particularly across the lower Susquehanna Valley. Precipitable water values 1.5-2.0" will also support locally heavy rain amounts as mid level energy and favorable upper jet forcing interact with the deep moisture pool along/ahead of the cold front. Recent wetness and lower flash flood guidance values along with the anomalous moisture availability suggest some t-storms could produce intense rain rates with isolated instances of flash flooding possible. The bulk of convection should shift south of the MD line Saturday night. A relatively cooler and less humid airmass will move in from the north and allow min temps to retreat into the mid 50s across the northern tier. Meanwhile, southern PA will remain rather humid with lows holding in the upper 60s to near 70F. Relief from the sweltering heat arrives on Sunday with noticeably cooler/more seasonal temperatures and much lower humidity. A pleasant end to the last weekend of July with a comfortable night for sleeping with lows in the 50-60F range. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/... There is some support for showers on Monday, as a weak shortwave moves across the area, but we look to be on the southern edge of the activity. Otherwise looking to start August off on a bit of a cooler and less stormy pattern. However the overall large scale pattern remains similar, with the upper level ridge to the west. 12Z models still show a break in the upper level ridges over the TN valley at even at 10 days out, supporting the idea that the upper level pattern not likely to change much. Thus minor changes in the track of weak features could result in significant changes in the forecast as one nears that time frame. && .AVIATION /20Z FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... Timing in the 12Z TAF package for the showers and storms late tonight looks good for the 18Z TAF package. Main change was to add VCSH this afternoon with a TEMPO group for storms in some locations, given how much CAPE there is and activity over western PA and OH early this afternoon. Earlier discussion below. Some minor changes to the TAFS in a few spots as of mid to late morning. Main issue has been lower clouds so far across the southwest. Dewpoints came back up so far this morning, close to what we had yesterday. Low level sfc ridging may hold off storms this afternoon. More in the way of showers and storms possible later tonight into Saturday, as the cold front moves into the area. Outlook... Sat...AM low cigs possible NW Mtns. Scattered PM tsra impacts possible. Sun...AM low cigs possible W Mtns. Mon...No sig wx expected. Tue...Patchy AM valley fog possible N and W Mtns. Wed...Dry conditions still expected. && .CLIMATE... Top 5 Wettest July | Williamsport, PA 1. 2018 11.99" 2. 2023 10.00" 3. 1992 9.65" 4. 1958 8.30" 5. 1928 8.02" && .CTP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for PAZ019-025>028- 034>036-045-046-049>053-056>059-063>066. && SYNOPSIS...Guseman/Steinbugl/Martin NEAR TERM...Guseman/Steinbugl SHORT TERM...Guseman/Steinbugl LONG TERM...Martin AVIATION...Martin CLIMATE...Steinbugl
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service State College PA 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 PAZ004-005-290900- Warren-McKean- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Strong to severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible this evening through tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ006-012-037-041-042-290900- Potter-Northern Clinton-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible during the day on Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ046-049>053-057>059-290900- Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour-Northumberland-Columbia- Dauphin-Schuylkill-Lebanon- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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. Heat Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible during the day on Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ045-290900- Southern Clinton- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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. Heat Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible during the day on Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ028-036-056-063-290900- Juniata-Franklin-Perry-Cumberland- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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. Heat Advisory. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible during the day on Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ010-011-017-018-024-033-290900- Elk-Cameron-Clearfield-Northern Centre-Cambria-Somerset- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible this evening through tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible during the day on Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ019-025>027-034-035-290900- Southern Centre-Blair-Huntingdon-Mifflin-Bedford-Fulton- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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. Heat Advisory. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible during the day on Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ064-065-290900- Adams-York- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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. Heat Advisory. Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible late tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Widely scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ066-290900- Lancaster- 500 AM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... 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. Heat Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Widely scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. MRS
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
328 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023
PAZ025-026-282000-
Blair PA-Huntingdon PA-
328 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL HUNTINGDON AND
SOUTHEASTERN BLAIR COUNTIES THROUGH 400 PM EDT...
At 327 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Hollidaysburg, moving northeast at 20 mph. Other storms were nearby
this storm.
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...
Huntingdon, Hollidaysburg, Roaring Spring, Mount Union, Martinsburg,
Williamsburg, Rockhill Furnace, Raystown Dam, Shy Beaver, Trough
Creek State Park, Canoe Creek State Park, Entriken, Royer,
McConnellstown, Mapleton, Orbisonia, Mill Creek, Marklesburg,
Cassville and Juniata College.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4028 7825 4030 7826 4028 7827 4031 7843
4049 7835 4058 7786 4044 7787 4041 7791
4040 7791 4039 7788 4021 7789
TIME...MOT...LOC 1927Z 259DEG 18KT 4045 7825
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MartinSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service State College PA
403 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023
PAZ026-028-036-056-282030-
Perry PA-Franklin PA-Juniata PA-Huntingdon PA-
403 PM EDT Fri Jul 28 2023
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL HUNTINGDON...NORTH
CENTRAL FRANKLIN...SOUTHWESTERN JUNIATA AND SOUTHWESTERN PERRY
COUNTIES THROUGH 430 PM EDT...
At 402 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 19
miles southeast of Huntingdon, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Honey Grove, East Waterford, Perulack, Big Spring State Park,
Doylesburg and New Germantown.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4020 7762 4019 7763 4024 7787 4037 7784
4036 7782 4037 7781 4037 7776 4039 7774
4041 7750 4022 7755 4021 7757 4019 7759
4019 7761
TIME...MOT...LOC 2002Z 265DEG 22KT 4030 7774
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
KFThe State College radar (KCCX), 98 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:57 UTC.
9 thunderstorm wind, 1 lightning, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and wires in Newville.
A building was struck by lightning, resulting in a electrical damage and a fire west of Dickinson.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down numerous trees onto wires east of Fayetteville.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a tree onto wires east-southeast of Lake Meade.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple trees onto wires northwest of Dover.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph snapped more than a dozen trees, damaging one car and five outbuildings. Additionally, a large field of corn was knocked over. Radar image shows an outflow boundary as primary component responsible for the damage.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down a tree onto wires in Kirkwood.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down multiple large tree limbs around Grampian.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees that blocked Walnut Street on the south side of Philipsburg.
A severe thunderstorm producing winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and wires onto Scotia Road south of Graysdale.
Ponding of water during a thunderstorm led to the closure of PA Route 53 at 501 North Centre Street in Philipsburg due to three or four vehicles becoming disabled in standing water.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, July 2023
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: 1113388, 1113710, 1113389, 1113391, 1113392, 1116036, 1113448, 1113454, 1113450, 1113452, 1115511.