Pennsylvania, 2024

Tornado and Damaging Winds in Pennsylvania, November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024 · NWS PBZ · 46 events in 9 counties and zones

Deep upper level low pressure moved into the western Great Lakes on November 20th. A strong shortwave rotating around this upper low across Ohio helped to drive a cold front across the Upper Ohio Valley during the late afternoon hours.

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
$683,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
46

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 PBZ wrote it up.

Deep upper level low pressure moved into the western Great Lakes on November 20th. A strong shortwave rotating around this upper low across Ohio helped to drive a cold front across the Upper Ohio Valley during the late afternoon hours. A thin line of showers accompanied the front, with little to no lightning. The front worked with sufficient instability aloft to bring strong wind gusts to the surface, with several in the 45 to 60 MPH range according to various observations. These gusts were responsible for the many reports of wind damage received across southwest Pennsylvania. Strong low-level shear and weakly veered wind profiles also supported a brief tornado on the north side of Pittsburgh.

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 Pittsburgh, PA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Nov 20, 3:19 PM EST, 51 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Nov 20, 3:19 PM EST, 51 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
319 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will bring the risk for showers and gusty
winds to the region today. Behind the front, much colder air
will overspread the area. A large upper level system will bring
more rain and snow into Saturday. With a significant winter
storm possible in the higher elevations.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM THURSDAY MORNING/...
KEY MESSAGES:

- Showers and a strong cold front pass late-day accompanied by
  gusty winds and possibly a rumble of thunder.
------------------------------------------------------------------

A deep upper level low will spin toward the western Great Lakes
today. The trough axis rotating around the southern flank of
the low will extend to the southeast of the low center the
afternoon. A powerful shortwave swinging around the base of the
trough will move over central Ohio this afternoon. A surface low
will rapidly develop and strengthen underneath the wave and
drive a strong cold front through the area late today. Showers
will develop along the boundary and quickly swing through during
the afternoon and evening hours. Rainfall will be light, but
the main concern is the threat for strong wind gusts with FROPA.

Latest CAM models are showing a thin line of convection
developing right ahead of the front. Forecast soundings are
advertising instability aloft increasing, which will allow the
strong winds aloft to rush toward the surface. HREF probs of
gusts > 40 mph are 50 to 60% along the front, with 20 to 40% of
> 45 mph. While wind remains the primary threat, an isolated
spin up could not be ruled our with strong low-level shear and a
weakly veered 0-1km profile. Into this afternoon, we will be
monitoring pre-frontal cells and mergers to realize this threat
with initial convection. This threat decreases when cells
become linear or congeal this evening.

Strong cold air advection is expected tonight which will tank
temperatures down to the low 30s or even upper 20s overnight.
This will also allow winds behind the front to remain elevated,
justifying a wind advisory for the high terrain. A dry slot
aloft will cross the region overnight which should limit the
threat for any snow showers.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY/...
KEY MESSAGES:

- Rain and snow chances continue Thursday and Friday with
  impactful accumulations likely for the higher terrain.
- Winter storm conditions for the higher terrain continues into
  Saturday as do the gusty winds.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

The upper low will move across the Upper Ohio Valley on
Thursday. This will initiate more precipitation and bring
another shot of cold air. A mix of rain and snow is expected at
the onset, but snow becomes more likely through the day Thursday
as the parent low and developing coastal low pivot around east
other. As the parent low dives southeast, lift will increase
ahead or it and daytime heating and destabilization may allow an
increase in showers into Thursday afternoon. Daytime high
temperatures will likely be below average but above freezing for
the lowlands which will challenge daytime accumulations. The
same cannot be said for ridges over 2kft, where daytime
accumulations will be possible. The winter storm warning and
winter weather advisory begins Thursday afternoon for the West
Virginia ridges accordingly. The highest snowfall rates appear
the most likely Friday morning for the PA advisory/warning area,
and during the daytime Friday for the high terrain of WV.

When compared to the last update, the parent low is expected to
dive well to the south into Kentucky and southwest Virginia. So
on the front end of the winter system during the early overnight
hours on Friday, accumulations will mostly be orographic as
daytime instability wanes. In the early morning hours Friday,
the triple-point low will begin to feel the influence of the
parent low swinging to the south while it tried to relocate
under the upper low. This will attempt to pull the low back to
the east, with some evidence that a deformation done may set up
in an area of convergence oriented from west to east on the east
side of the low.

This is the primary uncertainty for counties north of
Pittsburgh. Just how far east this low pulls back with both
affect the degree of convergence and the proximity to the I-80
counties. Accordingly, product expansions or upgrades may be
necessary on a shorter fuse should confidence increase. While
there is fairly high confidence (75%) in sub-advisory snows in
Allegheny and points south.

Into the daytime hours on Friday, warm advection will actually
drop down from the northwest combined with daytime heating. This
will be enough to bring temperature above freezing for the
lowlands into Friday afternoon, cutting off accumulations and
potential transitioning some areas to rain. The most notable
exception will be the higher elevations of Pennsylvania and
West Virginia. This will allow additional chances of snow for
the ridges. Orographic lift, synoptic forcing from a shortwave,
and dry adiabatic profiles into a saturated DGZ are all
conducive to heavy snowfall and rapid accumulation in the ridges
of Pennsylvania and West Virginia during the daylight hours on
Friday. Rates above 1"/hr for multiple hours are possible. As
this wave completes its passage Friday night, snowfall rates
will drop off. With the exception of eastern Tucker, the winter
products will be allowed to expire at 7am Saturday. With
shallow saturation and the potential for below freezing
temperatures, precipitation may end as a brief freezing drizzle
Saturday in eastern Tucker, which will justify holding onto the
warning until 7pm there. Most likely accumulations in the ridges
vary from 6-12" for PA to up to 10-18" for WV. There is almost
90% chance of a 6" in the warning area. On the very high end,
(90th percentile) 10-16" in the PA ridges and 18-24" in the West
Virginia ridges could not be ruled out.

Wind chances drop off slightly, but there is still a
widespread 60% to 80% chance of gusts exceeding 30mph for the
duration of the event. This will also justify blowing snow and
low visibility concerns for the high elevations.

Here's the take home message: A notable winter storm with a 75%
to 90% chance of exceeding 6" is likely for the high terrain of
Preston County and Tucker County between Thursday and Saturday
morning. This is 50% to 75% likely for the ridges of PA. Gusty
winds are likely through the whole period, and blowing snow may
be a hazard for the ridges. The highest snowfall rates appear
the most likely Friday morning for the PA advisory/warning area,
and during the daytime Friday for the high terrain of WV.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
KEY MESSAGES:

- Dry on Sunday.
- Unsettled pattern for the beginning of next week.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Precipitation chances decrease Sunday and Monday as the large
upper low races out over the Atlantic and a weak ridge moves
over the upper Ohio Valley. The end of the long term looks
unsettled once again, but with milder temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION /20Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
Fog has dissipated across the area and ceilings have mostly
lifted to VFR, with the exception of a few patchy instances of
MVFR lingering around BVI and HLG. A strong cold front can be
seen in both surface observations and satellite imagery marching
eastward across Ohio at this time, with latest guidance
suggesting it reaches ZZV around 19z, PIT/AGC around 22z, and
lastly DUJ around 00z. Ahead of this front, a line of showers
are expected to develop late this afternoon and evening,
primarily impacting terminals east of I-77. Some of the
stronger convection could produce wind gusts to 40 knots and a
rumble or two of thunder, though overall probabilities for
thunder at any given location remain too low (<20%) to warrant
including in TAFs.

Behind the front, expect borderline MVFR/IFR cigs to fill in and
westerly winds increasing to 15-20 kts with gusts to 30-35 kts.
A brief period of VFR is expected overnight as west winds settle
and dry air advects in behind the front. Additional cig/vis
restrictions build in by Thursday morning, however, as rain and
snow showers develop and spread across the area.

Outlook...
Restrictions are expected Thursday through Saturday as a series
of low pressure systems spin across the NE CONUS, bringing
periods of rain and snow showers to the area. VFR should return
Sunday as high pressure builds in.

&&

.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Winter Weather Advisory from 1 PM Thursday to 7 AM EST
     Saturday for PAZ009-016-077-078.
     Wind Advisory until 1 AM EST Thursday for PAZ074-076-078.
     Winter Storm Warning from 1 PM Thursday to 7 AM EST Saturday
     for PAZ074-076.
OH...None.
WV...Winter Weather Advisory from 1 PM Thursday to 7 AM EST
     Saturday for WVZ510.
     Wind Advisory until 1 AM EST Thursday for WVZ510>514.
     Winter Storm Warning from 1 PM Thursday to 7 AM EST Saturday
     for WVZ511>513.
     Winter Storm Warning from 1 PM Thursday to 7 PM EST Saturday
     for WVZ514.

&&

SYNOPSIS...22/Milcarek
NEAR TERM...22/Milcarek
SHORT TERM...22/Milcarek
LONG TERM...22/Milcarek
AVIATION...Cermak/WM
Hazardous weather outlook, Nov 20, 12:13 PM EST, 3 hours 57 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
1213 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

OHZ039>041-048>050-057>059-068-069-PAZ007>009-013>016-020>022-029-
031-073-075-077-WVZ001>004-012-021-509-211715-
Tuscarawas-Carroll-Columbiana-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson OH-
Muskingum-Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Mercer-Venango-Forest-
Lawrence-Butler-Clarion-Jefferson PA-Beaver-Allegheny-Armstrong-
Washington-Greene-Westmoreland-Fayette-Indiana-Hancock-Brooke-Ohio-
Marshall-Wetzel-Marion-Monongalia-
1213 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Ohio, western
Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Below average temperatures, wind gusts of 30mph to 40mph, and light
snow accumulations are possible Thursday through Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

PAZ074-076-WVZ511>513-211715-
Higher Elevations of Westmoreland-Higher Elevations of Fayette-
Preston-Eastern Preston-Western Tucker-
1213 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM EST
THURSDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Pennsylvania and
northern West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

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

   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

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

   Winter Storm Warning.

There is potential for heavy accumulating snow Thursday through
Friday night, as well as wind gusts up to 40 MPH during the same
timeframe.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

WVZ514-211715-
Eastern Tucker-
1213 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM EST
THURSDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 7 PM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

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

   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

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

   Winter Storm Warning.

There is potential for heavy accumulating snow Thursday through
Saturday, as well as wind gusts up to 45 MPH during the same
timeframe.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

PAZ078-WVZ510-211715-
Higher Elevations of Indiana-
Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-
1213 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM EST
THURSDAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western Pennsylvania and
northern West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

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

   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

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

   Winter Weather Advisory.

There is potential for accumulating snow Thursday through Friday
night, as well as wind gusts up to 45 MPH during the same timeframe.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

Milcarek

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Nov 20, 2:13 PM EST, 1 hour 57 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
213 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

OHZ039-048-057-058-068-202115-
Coshocton OH-Guernsey OH-Tuscarawas OH-Muskingum OH-Noble OH-
213 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...A LINE OF SHOWERS WILL IMPACT MUSKINGUM...NOBLE...COSHOCTON...
GUERNSEY AND TUSCARAWAS COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM EST...

At 213 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking a line of showers along a
cold front extending from 19 miles northwest of Coshocton to 12
miles southeast of South Zanesville, or extending from 19 miles
northwest of Coshocton to 15 miles southeast of Zanesville, moving
east at 35 mph. Winds will remain elevated behind the front.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 45 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
  Zanesville, New Philadelphia, Dover, Coshocton, Cambridge,
  Uhrichsville, Caldwell, Newcomerstown, Dennison, Strasburg, New
  Concord, Byesville, West Lafayette, Sugarcreek, South Zanesville,
  North Zanesville, Dresden, Frazeysburg, Dudley and Gnadenhutten.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 4046 8218 4044 8167 4063 8167 4065 8132
      4057 8132 4056 8126 4030 8128 4030 8133
      4017 8134 4017 8123 3987 8124 3987 8131
      3959 8128 3965 8147 3958 8147 3959 8159
      3975 8164 3982 8217 3991 8216 3991 8223
TIME...MOT...LOC 1912Z 260DEG 30KT 4051 8203 4005 8193 3977 8187

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...45 MPH

Milcarek
Special weather statement, Nov 20, 2:29 PM EST, 1 hour 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
229 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

OHZ040-041-049-050-059-069-202130-
Carroll OH-Harrison OH-Jefferson OH-Columbiana OH-Monroe OH-
Belmont OH-
229 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...A LINE OF SHOWERS WILL IMPACT HARRISON...COLUMBIANA...CARROLL...
BELMONT...JEFFERSON OH AND MONROE COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM EST...

At 229 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking a line of showers along a
front extending from 20 miles northwest of Sugarcreek to 6 miles
southwest of Caldwell, or extending from 24 miles northwest of Dover
to 6 miles southwest of Caldwell, moving east at 35 mph. Winds will
remain elevated behind the front.

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...
  Wheeling, Weirton, Steubenville, Salem, East Liverpool, Martins
  Ferry, Columbiana, New Martinsville, St. Clairsville, East
  Palestine, Bellaire, Barnesville, Wellsville, Cadiz, Carrollton,
  Warwood, Wellsburg, Woodsfield, Clearview and Freeport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 4065 8132 4065 8124 4072 8124 4073 8109
      4090 8109 4090 8052 4064 8052 4058 8067
      4048 8060 4032 8060 3977 8087 3971 8083
      3954 8104 3958 8126 3987 8131 3987 8124
      4017 8123 4017 8134 4030 8133 4030 8128
TIME...MOT...LOC 1928Z 260DEG 30KT 4077 8182 4017 8170 3968 8158

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Milcarek
Special weather statement, Nov 20, 3:29 PM EST, 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
329 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

PAZ007-008-013-014-020-021-WVZ001-202230-
Allegheny PA-Mercer PA-Venango PA-Hancock WV-Beaver PA-Lawrence
PA-Butler PA-
329 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...A LINE OF STRONG SHOWERS WILL IMPACT BUTLER...BEAVER...
ALLEGHENY...LAWRENCE...MERCER...VENANGO AND HANCOCK COUNTIES UNTIL
530 PM EST...

At 329 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking a line of strong showers
along a front extending from 26 miles northwest of Greenville to 8
miles southwest of Wintersville, or extending from 31 miles
northwest of Sharpsville to 9 miles northeast of Cadiz, moving east
at 40 mph. Winds will
remain elevated behind the front.

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...
  Pittsburgh, Penn Hills, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, Ross Township,
  McCandless Township, Monroeville, Cranberry, Moon Township, New
  Castle, Weirton, McKeesport, Hermitage, Sharon, Butler, Franklin
  Park, East Liverpool, Oil City, Aliquippa and Beaver Falls.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 4064 8052 4149 8052 4149 8000 4162 7983
      4162 7951 4134 7948 4132 7960 4118 7970
      4064 7969 4057 7977 4043 7970 4023 7981
      4023 7978 4021 7995 4023 7997 4025 7992
      4048 8036 4039 8063 4059 8067
TIME...MOT...LOC 2028Z 271DEG 34KT 4165 8078 4070 8080 4032 8084

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Milcarek
Special weather statement, Nov 20, 3:34 PM EST, 36 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
334 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

PAZ029-031-WVZ002>004-012-021-509-202230-
Marion WV-Greene PA-Marshall WV-Monongalia WV-Brooke WV-Wetzel WV-
Washington PA-Ohio WV-
334 PM EST Wed Nov 20 2024

...A LINE OF SHOWERS WILL IMPACT GREENE...WASHINGTON...OHIO...
MARSHALL...MARION...MONONGALIA...BROOKE AND WETZEL COUNTIES UNTIL
530 PM EST...

At 334 PM EST, Doppler radar was tracking a line of showers along a
front extending from 9 miles northwest of Wintersville to 14 miles
south of New Martinsville, or extending from 12 miles northwest of
Steubenville to 14 miles south of New Martinsville, moving east at
40 mph. Winds will
remain elevated behind the front.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 45 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
  Bethel Park, Morgantown, Wheeling, McMurray, Weirton, Fairmont,
  Steubenville, Washington, Moundsville, Canonsburg, New
  Martinsville, Bellaire, Waynesburg, Westover, Wellsburg,
  Bethlehem, Mannington, Star City, West Liberty and Triadelphia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 3976 8087 4031 8060 4039 8063 4040 8052
      4048 8052 4048 8036 4019 7985 4016 7990
      4009 7984 4008 7990 4003 7988 3996 8001
      3992 7992 3972 7992 3972 7978 3940 8002
      3947 8049 3943 8058 3961 8094 3971 8083
TIME...MOT...LOC 2033Z 274DEG 34KT 4045 8085 4001 8086 3947 8095

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...45 MPH

Milcarek

The radar

The Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 24 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:11 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

45 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaver

When
November 20, 4:10 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 0.87 mi NW of Midland
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.640, -80.460

A tree was blown down in Midland, resulting in power outages.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaver

When
November 20, 4:20 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 1.73 mi NW of Aliquippa Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
40.620, -80.320

A tree was blown down onto Interstate 376, temporarily blocking the right lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:29 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.52 mi E of Bon Meade
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.550, -80.240

A tree was blown down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaver

When
November 20, 4:30 PM EST
Where
Beaver County, 1.72 mi WSW of Bocktown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.540, -80.330

Trees were reported to be blown down in Independence Township.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When
November 20, 4:30 PM EST
Where
Washington County, 1.18 mi E of Mc Adams
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
40.383, -80.248

Trees down on Valley Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When
November 20, 4:35 PM EST
Where
Washington County, 0.87 mi NW of Strabane
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.260, -80.190

Some siding was ripped off of a few houses by the wind.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:40 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.65 mi NNW of Mc Donald
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.401, -80.245

A tree was blown down at the intersection of North Branch Road and Seabright Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:44 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.87 mi NW of Clifton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
40.340, -80.110

A large Cleveland Pear tree was blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:45 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.72 mi ESE of Boyce
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.310, -80.070

A report, with photos, of a snapped tree landing on a house was received from Upper St. Clair.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:51 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.58 mi E of Clinton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
40.500, -80.270

Wind gust measured by the ASOS at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When
November 20, 4:54 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 2.96 mi ENE of Butler Graham Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.800, -79.900

A tree was blown down along Dutchtown Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:55 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 2.32 mi ENE of Option
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.447, -79.942

A traffic light structure was blown down into the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Moorewood Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:55 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.59 mi SE of Cherry City
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
40.475, -79.961

The wind damaged a fence at the intersection of Hatfield Street and 46th Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:55 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.87 mi SW of Large
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.290, -79.930

Two power poles were blown down near the old high school.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:55 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.69 mi N of Bellevue
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.480, -80.020

Two trees were reported to be down in Riverview Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When
November 20, 4:55 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 1.73 mi NE of Butler Graham Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.800, -79.930

Numerous reports of trees and wires down were received in Butler County. A few areas that were impacted were Forward Township, Center Township, Butler Township, Penn Township, and Oakland Township.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When
November 20, 4:55 PM EST
Where
Washington County, 0.69 mi N of West Brownsville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.040, -79.900

A few trees were reported down along Route 88 between Wilson Road and Blain Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:58 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.26 mi WNW of Edgewood
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.440, -79.900

Trees and power lines were blown down along Fern Hollow Bridge.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When
November 20, 4:58 PM EST
Where
Washington County, 1.05 mi W of Gastonville
Measured
67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.270, -80.020

Reported by a member of the public on a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 4:59 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, Dravosburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.350, -79.900

Shingles were blown off of a home.

Tornado, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:00 PM EST to 5:02 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.75 mi WSW of Aspinwall to 0.76 mi WSW of Aspinwall
Rating
EF0
Path length
1 mi
Path width
75 yd
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
40.471, -79.911

A team from the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh identified a coherent swath of likely tornadic damage that began along Stanton Ave in the Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh and continued to along Campania Ave in the Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar area. Damage was sporadic along this path, suggesting the circulation occasionally weakened below tornadic intensity along this track, possibly owing to variability in terrain. The most concentrated damage was observed along Lemington Ave, where a couple trees were down, small and large limbs were snapped, and shingles were removed from homes. There is no evidence that power poles in this area were damaged by wind, which puts an effective upper bound on wind speed estimates here. Debris lofted by the tornado (likely leaves and small twigs) was noted in data from KPBZ radar, which continued in the air downstream for several miles as strong, non-tornadic wind surged eastward into the Penn Hills area. This narrow tornado was embedded within a broader swath of 40-60 mph non-tornadic wind, as evidenced by threshold tree litter. Pending additional information, this tornado will be rated EF0 with maximal wind of 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:00 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.05 mi W of Aspinwall
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.480, -79.900

Trees were reported to be downed in Aspinwall.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When
November 20, 5:00 PM EST
Where
Butler County, 2.09 mi SE of Whitestown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.860, -80.020

A large tree was blown down in a backyard in Connoquenessing Township.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When
November 20, 5:00 PM EST
Where
Washington County, Jewell
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.070, -79.900

A large tree was blown down in a backyard.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:03 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.58 mi W of Parkview
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.520, -79.930

Trees and wires were downed on Dorseyville Road, between Brookdale Drive and Crest Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:05 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.53 mi E of Blaine Hill
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.270, -79.820

Multiple trees were reported to be blown down on Rock Run Road in Elizabeth Township.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:05 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.05 mi E of Sharpsburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.500, -79.880

Wires were reported down in Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, and Sharpsburg with resulting power outages.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:05 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.87 mi SE of Wilmerding
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.370, -79.810

Shingles were reported to be blown off of a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:07 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.26 mi ESE of East Mc Keesport
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.370, -79.780

A report of downed power lines was received.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:09 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, Monroeville Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.450, -79.770

A report of broken power poles was received.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:10 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.87 mi SE of Riverton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.340, -79.840

A tree was reported to be blown down in a backyard in McKeesport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:10 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 1.25 mi E of East Mc Keesport
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.380, -79.776

A tree was downed across Mosside Boulevard.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allegheny

When
November 20, 5:14 PM EST
Where
Allegheny County, 0.69 mi N of Pitcairn
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.410, -79.780

Tree down on Broadway Boulevard.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:14 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, Hahntown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.330, -79.720

Trees were blown down around Irwin.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:17 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.87 mi SE of Pleasant Vly
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.370, -79.660

Shingles were blown off of a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:20 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.69 mi S of Newtonsburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
40.420, -79.670

Widespread wind damage was reported across Murrysville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:20 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.53 mi W of Hahntown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
40.330, -79.730

Widespread wind damage was reported across Penn Township and North Huntingdon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:20 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 1.21 mi SE of Edgecliff
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.586, -79.706

A tree was downed on to power lines at the intersection of Reimer Street and Indiana Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:22 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.69 mi N of Adamsburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$7,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.310, -79.680

A billboard was blown down at an onramp to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Thunderstorm Wind, Venango

When
November 20, 5:25 PM EST
Where
Venango County, 1.04 mi E of Oil City
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
41.430, -79.700

Trees and wires were reported to be blown down in Pinegrove Township, Oil City, and Seneca.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:25 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.87 mi SW of Delmont
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.410, -79.580

A number of trees were reported down around the Delmont area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Westmoreland

When
November 20, 5:30 PM EST
Where
Westmoreland County, 0.87 mi NE of Greensburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.310, -79.540

A large tree was blown down in a backyard.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clarion

When
November 20, 5:32 PM EST
Where
Clarion County, 1.25 mi ESE of Rimersburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
41.040, -79.500

Trees were reported to be blown down in Rimersburg.

Thunderstorm Wind, Armstrong

When
November 20, 5:35 PM EST
Where
Armstrong County, 1.56 mi S of Christy Manor
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.708, -79.517

A tree was reported down on Boat Ramp Road near Crooked Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, Forest

When
November 20, 5:43 PM EST
Where
Forest County, 1.03 mi E of East Hickory
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
41.580, -79.400

A tree was reported down in Hickory Township.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clarion

When
November 20, 5:55 PM EST
Where
Clarion County, 0.86 mi SW of Clarion Parker Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
41.210, -79.380

A tree was blown down into a structure on Oakwood Drive.

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.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Pennsylvania, 2024Warnings in Pennsylvania, November 2024

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: 1224542, 1224543, 1224544, 1224545, 1224546, 1224547, 1224548, 1224549, 1224550, 1224604, 1224551, 1224554, 1224555, 1224577, 1224585, 1224593, 1224603, 1224553, 1224615, 1224596, 1224541, 1224552, 1224576, 1224579, 1224588, 1224574, 1224582, 1224597, 1224599, 1224602, 1224572, 1224590, 1224568, 1224595, 1224620, 1224606, 1224608, 1224617, 1224616, 1224614, and more.