Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms prompted a widespread flash flood problems across the Ohio River Valley on April 2nd to April 3rd. The synoptic pattern across the CONUS was a slow moving and deep elongated trough over the Great Plains phasing with a ejecting trough over the Midwest that created an area of converging moisture over eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS PBZ wrote it up.
Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms prompted a widespread flash flood problems across the Ohio River Valley on April 2nd to April 3rd. The synoptic pattern across the CONUS was a slow moving and deep elongated trough over the Great Plains phasing with a ejecting trough over the Midwest that created an area of converging moisture over eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Overall, over a span of 4 days, four to five an half inches of rain fell across the region. Not only was small tributaries impact, but the main river reached moderate flood stage.
Along with flooding, there was a brief period of severe storms that tracked along eastern Ohio on the evening of April 2nd. A number of tornadoes touched down and were surveyed. Special soundings released by PBZ and ILN depict effective instability over eastern Ohio (1200J/kg to 1700J/kg), effective low-level shear (+50kts), and low-level helicity (300m2/s2) for rotating updrafts just before storms tracked through the area.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Pittsburgh, PA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 2, 8:05 AM EST, 23 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
905 AM EDT Tue Apr 2 2024
.SYNOPSIS...
There is an increased chance for severe thunderstorms this
evening with a strong low pressure system. The threat for heavy
rainfall also continues for the next 24 hours with multiple
rounds of heavy rain possible. Cooler air returns late in the
week.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL NOON TODAY/...
KEY MESSAGES:
- Showers and isolated storms continue through noon today with
the passage a warm front. Flooding will be the main concern
for the near term.
- Flood Watch remains in effect for most of the area through
this evening 7pm.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8:30am Update: Flood Warnings are currently ongoing across the
region for areas that received 1.50 to 3 inches of rain over the last
72 hours. With the ground highly saturated, all runoff will
likely turn into flooding along creeks, streams, and within urban
areas. An additional 1 to 1.50 inches of rain is expected
through 7pm today; isolated areas could receive up to 2" due to
training and robust convection. The Flood Watch was expanded to
counties north of Pittsburgh as higher amounts (0.50-1.00
inches) were observed early this morning with slow advancement
of the warm front.
Mid-level instability has prompted thunderstorms across the
region, the only threat from these storms is lightning.
&&
.SHORT TERM /NOON TODAY THROUGH 6 PM WEDNESDAY/...
KEY MESSAGES:
- A rare Moderate Risk continues for eastern Ohio, Enhanced Risk
for portions of western PA. Tornadoes, large hail, damaging
wind gusts, and heavy rainfall are expected
- The peak period for severe storms is from 2pm to 11pm Tuesday
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A rare Moderate Risk continues for eastern OH, Enhanced Risk for
western PA for the threat for tornadoes, large hail, and
damaging wind gusts late this afternoon. What has prompted this
threat is as a warm front lifts north towards Erie, a surge of
low- lvl moisture will increase CAPE within a highly sheared
environment. This combination will favor supercells within the
warm sector as a strong low advances into the Ohio River Valley
from the west.
After 5pm, the joint probability of 40kt of 0-6km shear and
1000 J/kg of surface-based CAPE increases to 80-90% (especially
for eastern OH). The probability significantly drops off
northeast of Pittsburgh, where models suggest cloud coverage
will remain and buoyancy will be limited.
The probability of severe storms could increase farther east
and north from the current most-likely outlook area if
sufficient heating and moisture advance into west-central PA
beyond where currently expected. A special RAOB will likely be
launched Tuesday afternoon at PIT to get a sense of atmospheric
changes in the wake of morning showers.
Overall summary: confidence is high that strong wind shear will
be available to organize storms. Destabilization in the wake of
the morning showers/storms will be the potential limiting
factor in storm severity Tuesday afternoon.
The probability of severe weather decreases after midnight
Wednesday after passage of a cold front.
&&
.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
KEY MESSAGES:
- Colder and windy for the second half of the week with rain and
snow showers
- The probability of 2-3 inches of snow is high (between 60-90%)
for eastern Tucker County Thursday into Friday. A Winter
Weather Advisory may need to be issued
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The front should cross the area by early Wednesday morning as
the parent shortwave trough closes into an upper low across the
Lower Great Lakes and Upper Ohio Valley region.
Rain and snow showers are expected through at least Thursday as
model ensembles indicate the low will persist across the
region. A prolong period of snow along the ridges Thursday night
into Friday may lead to accumulating snow for areas exceeding
3kft in elevation. The probability of 2 inches in eastern Tucker
County is currently 90%; the probability of 4 inches is 60%. A
Winter Weather Advisory may be issued in a later forecast
period.
The upper low should exit the region Friday, with dry weather
returning as high pressure settles in for Saturday.
&&
.AVIATION /12Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Showers and thunderstorms will continue this morning as a
surface wave tracks along a stationary front across the Upper
Ohio Valley region. MVFR to occasional IFR conditions are
expected. The surface boundary will lift north as a warm front
today, with some improvement to MVFR through the day. Areas near
FKL-DUJ will likely not see much improvement as the front may
not be pulled that far northward. Additional showers and
thunderstorms with IFR restrictions are likely by late afternoon
in advance of a cold front. Some of these storms could be
severe.
Showers will linger tonight as the forward progress of the
front slows, as the surface low deepens across the lower Great
Lakes region. IFR is expected after FROPA, and this should
continue through Wednesday morning.
Outlook...
Restrictions, gusty winds, and rain and snow showers are likely
through Friday, under an upper low. VFR returns Sat under high
pressure.&&
.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...None.
OH...None.
WV...None.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
Numerous rounds of rain has prompted a high water concerns
across the region. Confidence is high that a number of forecast
river sites will reach action stage along the Ohio and Muskingum
River. Stillwater Creek and Wills Creek in Ohio have already
reached Flood Stage or are about to approach Flood Stage in the
next few hours due to 2 to 3 inches of rain over the last 48
hours.
Based on the GEFS and NAEFS, there is a 50% chances of areas
reaching Flood Stage for sites along the Youghiogheny River,
Redbank Creek, Ohio River.
&&
.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Flood Watch until 8 PM EDT this evening for PAZ014-020>022-029-
031-073>078.
OH...Flood Watch until 8 PM EDT this evening for OHZ039-040-048>050-
057>059-068-069.
WV...Flood Watch until 8 PM EDT this evening for WVZ001>004-012-021-
509>514.
&&
SYNOPSIS...Hefferan
NEAR TERM...Hefferan/22
SHORT TERM...Hefferan
LONG TERM...Hefferan
AVIATION...Rackley
HYDROLOGY...HefferanHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA 909 AM EDT Tue Apr 2 2024 OHZ041-PAZ007>009-013-015-016-031315- Columbiana-Mercer-Venango-Forest-Lawrence-Clarion-Jefferson PA- 909 AM EDT Tue Apr 2 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Ohio and western Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Several rounds of rain through Tuesday could result in localized areas of flooding Tuesday. A severe weather risk increases this afternoon through the late tonight. Tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts are expected. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. OHZ039-040-048>050-057>059-068-069-PAZ014-020>022-029-031-073>078- WVZ001>004-012-021-509>513-031315- Tuscarawas-Carroll-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson OH-Muskingum- Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Butler-Beaver-Allegheny-Armstrong- Washington-Greene-Westmoreland-Higher Elevations of Westmoreland- Fayette-Higher Elevations of Fayette-Indiana- Higher Elevations of Indiana-Hancock-Brooke-Ohio-Marshall-Wetzel- Marion-Monongalia- Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston- Eastern Preston-Western Tucker- 909 AM EDT Tue Apr 2 2024 ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Ohio, southwest Pennsylvania, western Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A severe weather risk increases this afternoon through the late tonight. Tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts are expected. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. WVZ514-031315- Eastern Tucker- 909 AM EDT Tue Apr 2 2024 ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A severe weather risk increases this afternoon through the late tonight. Tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts are expected. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. Hefferan
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
608 AM EDT Tue Apr 02 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0606 AM Rain 1 E Day 41.18N 79.24W
04/02/2024 M1.07 inch Clarion PA Trained Spotter
24 hour rainfall total
&&
Event Number PBZ2402036
FLHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
741 AM EDT Tue Apr 2 2024
OHZ048-057-021230-
Coshocton OH-Muskingum OH-
741 AM EDT Tue Apr 2 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN COSHOCTON AND MUSKINGUM
COUNTIES THROUGH 830 AM EDT...
At 741 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles southeast of Utica to 7 miles southwest
of Lancaster. Movement was east 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...
Zanesville, Coshocton, New Concord, West Lafayette, South Zanesville,
North Zanesville, Dresden, Frazeysburg, Philo, Pleasant Grove,
Conesville, Gratiot, Fultonham, Plainfield, Norwich, Ruraldale,
Chandlersville, Bridgeville, Otsego, and Cannelville.
This includes Interstate 70 in Ohio near mile marker 143, and between
mile markers
145 and 170.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3995 8223 3995 8220 4023 8218 4024 8220
4028 8219 4030 8162 4022 8162 4022 8167
4015 8167 4015 8172 3993 8173 3993 8169
3976 8170 3977 8207 3982 8208 3982 8217
3991 8216 3991 8223
TIME...MOT...LOC 1141Z 261DEG 42KT 4016 8237 3963 8266
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
TCPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
812 AM EDT Tue Apr 02 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0748 AM Flood Senecaville 39.93N 81.46W
04/02/2024 Guernsey OH Co-Op Observer
Report of flooded roads in Senecaville. 2.58 inch of
rain between yesterday and today.
&&
Event Number PBZ2402038
CLThe Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 3 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:29 UTC.
34 flash flood, 20 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Several streams out of their banks in the Moon Township and Robinson area.
Reis Run Road closed due to flooding along Lowries Run and Harts Run.
Scrubgrass Road closed due to flooding along Scrubgrass Run.
Flaugherty Run out of its banks, water and debris flowing along the road in a few locations.
Several roads closed across the region.
Several roads closed in Hampton Township.
Route 28 south near Sharpsburg starting to flood.
Ten homes along Water Street experiencing flooding.
Route 40 flooded in a few locations.
Streets Run Road closed due to flooding.
Flooding noted along Zediker Station Road.
Flooded roadways in Gilpin Township. Impacts noted in pictures along Route 66.
Flooding in Bethel Township area.
Route 66 near Crooked Creek Dam experience flooding issues.
Flooding along Cherry Valley Road near Bull Creek, small streams overflowing banks around Saxonburg, PA.
Brush Creek Road closed due to flooding; road was closed well into the late evening.
Flooding noted on Route 980.
Victory Road in Clinton Township experienced flooding.
Flooding along SR-1022 between Burns Road and Montgomery Church Road.
Verona Road closed due to flooding on Sandy Creek.
Flooding along Seminary Road.
Homes and businesses were impacted by high water. Oakdale Fire Department had water issues and equipment had to be move to higher ground.
Bull Creek Road closed due to flooding along Bull Creek between Metz Road and Ridge Road.
Homes and businesses experiencing flooding.
Widespread flooding issues.
Gilbert Road closed due to flooding along Clear Run.
Widespread flooded noted in Hickory, PA.
Creek out of its banks and covering the road.
Route 138 closed between Campbell Road and Meals Road due to flooding along South Branch of Slippery Rock Creek.
Route 4012 closed near Kohlmeyer Road due to flooding.
Widespread flooding.
Widespread flooding reported in the Apollo area.
Route 48 in both directions closed between due to flooding.
Road closed near Double Road and Boy Scout Road due to flooding.
Road closed near Oneida Valley Road and Hendricks Road due to flooding. Flooding on State Route 38 through Hohn Farm Road.
Road closures due to flooding on Benbrook, Three Degree, Valencia, and Meridian Roads.
Report of road closures due to flooding on Brinkerton Road, Deport Street, and Armbrust Road.
Report of road closure due to flooding on PA 18 between Grinnage Run Road and Hoges Run Road.
Report of road closure due to flooding on PA 18 between Water Dam and Garner Run Road.
Numerous roadways reported closed in New Castle due to flooding.
Flooding along State Route 65.
Multiple roads closed due to flooding in the city, including East Fayette and Iowa Street.
Flooding along State Route 588 between Hartzell School and Pine Run Roads.
Caney Valley Road partially flooded with one bridge under water near Henry Clay Township.
Report of road closures due to flooding on Linn Run Road and Darlington Rector Road. Report of road closure due to flooding on Jefferson School Road by Four Mile Run.
Flooding at Seneca School and Hartmann Roads with all lanes closed.
State Route 4012 closed near West Sunbury Road due to flooding. State Route 308 closed between Cemetery Road and Deer Road due to flooding.
The 1400 block of Mount Harmon Church Rod is closed due to flooding.
Flooding on Little Creek Road and Yellow Creek Road.
Mill Bridge and Fairview School Rd. closed due to flooding.
Numerous roads closed across Marion Township.
Numerous roads closed in Franklin Township due to flooding.
Numerous roads closed through 2pm.
Several roads closed. Water is surrounding homes along Mechanic Street.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, April 2024
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: 1171714, 1179517, 1179521, 1171716, 1171720, 1171722, 1171724, 1179530, 1179534, 1171726, 1179525, 1179538, 1179542, 1179545, 1179553, 1179558, 1171734, 1179565, 1171737, 1171738, 1179580, 1179523, 1171741, 1179590, 1179592, 1171745, 1179596, 1171746, 1171747, 1171748, 1171749, 1171750, 1171752, 1171755, 1171758, 1171759, 1171760, 1171761, 1171762, 1171763, and more.