A cold front stationed across west-central Pennsylvania began traversing eastward across the area during the afternoon hours of July 1, 2025. Ample instability and moisture ahead of the frontal passage allowed for showers and thunderstorms to develop, with thunderstorms producing rainfall rates well over an inch an hour.
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 stationed across west-central Pennsylvania began traversing eastward across the area during the afternoon hours of July 1, 2025. Ample instability and moisture ahead of the frontal passage allowed for showers and thunderstorms to develop, with thunderstorms producing rainfall rates well over an inch an hour. Shear across western and central Pennsylvania remained relatively low, keeping the severe potential to a minimum in these areas before encountering 30 knots of effective bulk shear across the Lower Susquehanna Valley which allowed thunderstorms to largely grow severe. Multiple trees and wires down were reported across Lancaster and York counties, with slightly more concentrated damage across portions of Lebanon County. In Sadsbury Township (Lancaster County), a 60-year-old male was killed after part of a tree fell on him while operating a tractor. Thunderstorms producing locally heavy rainfall rates tracked across hydrologically sensitive areas that received upwards of three to four inches the evening before, producing multiple instances of flash flooding across Lebanon and Lancaster counties. The most significant flash flooding occurred across northeastern Lancaster County, where multiple water rescues were performed in Leola and Brecknock Township.
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 1, 1:26 PM EST, 1 hour 9 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service State College PA 226 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 .SYNOPSIS... * Damaging wind and heavy rainfall threat this afternoon; significant flash flooding impacts possible * Drier/less humid/more comfortable conditions are likely for mid to late week with a high confidence of dry weather and seasonable temperatures on Independence Day * Trending warmer and more humid this weekend; unsettled pattern returns by Sunday && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 11 PM THIS EVENING/... *Severe Thunderstorm Watch #481 in effect until 9PM EDT this evening for south central PA *Flood Watch in effect until 11PM EDT this evening for south central PA Peak wind gusts from water-loaded downdrafts observed so far early this afternoon have been in the 25-30kt range. Steeper low level lapse rates across the lower Susquehanna Valley suggest a greater risk for strong to potentially severe wind gusts. Radar trends have been increasing in intensity with eastern extent. Fairly progressive storm motions have tended to offset FF risk so far, however rain rates have been very efficient at >1"/hr. Previous Discussion Issued: 1217 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 Severe T-storm threat via SPC MCD #1529 Convection is building to the east across southwest into south central PA at midday ahead of a low-amplitude shortwave trough that is progressing east across the Upper OH Valley. While there is some near-term uncertainty of how quickly this initial activity will strengthen amid weak DCAPE, the downstream airmass is destabilizing quite well with sfc temps into the mid 80s. This will yield an uptick in convective intensity as clusters impinge on richly moist airmass where 70-75F surface dew points are pervasive. Although lower-level winds will remain weak and predominately veered, moderate mid to upper-level westerlies will support organized multicells capable of producing multiple strong to isolated severe gust swaths. Scattered damaging winds appear likely towards mid to late afternoon. A severe tstm watch is likely to be issued by 17Z/1PM. Flash Flooding: FF threat remains locked in across south central and southeast PA. 12z IAD sounding came in with daily record pwat of 2.07" along with a daily record WBZ 0 height supporting a very deep warm-cloud layer within the lower troposphere. This environment along with tall/skinny CAPE profiles are highly representative of a strong prospect for not only heavy rain, but significant rate driven cores (2-3+ in/hr) that can efficiently drop several inches of rain in a very short span of time. The potential magnitude of rain/rates combined with very saturated antecedent conditions with locally 4-6" in some spots in the past 24 hrs suggest significant flash flooding impacts are possible. From a historical perspective, the WPC moderate risk of excessive rainfall (risk level 3 out of 4) typically only occurs 5-6x a year in PA, and this is the second MDT risk in the past 30 days. WPC should send a new MPD with more details shortly. && .SHORT TERM /11 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY/... Shower activity slowly shifts to the southeast tonight with any post frontal clearing expected to result in fog formation into Wednesday morning. The latest HREF also suggests some low clouds and stratus may linger into the early morning Wednesday. On balance, this period will feature a drying trend with little to no rainfall and more comfortable humidity. Best odds for a couple of PM showers/t-storm will be Thursday afternoon associated with a secondary cold front moving southeast from eastern Canada and the northern Great Lakes. We continue to have high confidence/conviction in a really nice Independence Day with a near zero chance for rain and great viewing for fireworks. Min temps Friday night will be quite comfortable in the low 50s to low 60s. Humidity levels start to creep upward to start the first weekend of July; however it will remain dry with unsettled weather expected to return Sunday into early next week. && .LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/... Low pressure approaching the Great Lakes by Sunday morning will bring about increasing chances for precipitation for the second half of the weekend and into the beginning of next week. && .AVIATION /18Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... A cold front moving through today will see another round of t-storm impacts expected this afternoon across CPA airspace. Overall widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely, with most airfields expected to see visibility reductions from heavy rain and thunderstorms. Gusts with these storms could reach up to 40kts. Coverage and of storms will quickly diminish behind the front, and most rain is expected to be confined to the southeast by 00Z. Clouds will become scattered to clear overnight tonight into early tomorrow morning as dryer air is ushered in behind the front. Fog will be a concern tonight into early Wednesday morning. Outlook... Wed...AM fog, then VFR. Thu...Primarily VFR; stray PM shower/t-storm possible. Fri-Sat...AM fog possible; otherwise VFR. && .CTP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch until 11 PM EDT this evening for PAZ017>019- 024>028-033>036-049-050-052-056>059-063>066. && SYNOPSIS...Steinbugl NEAR TERM...Steinbugl SHORT TERM...Steinbugl LONG TERM...Banghoff/NPB AVIATION...Bowen
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service State College PA 105 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 PAZ006-011-012-037-041-042-045-046-021715- Potter-Cameron-Northern Clinton-Tioga-Northern Lycoming-Sullivan- Southern Clinton-Southern Lycoming- 105 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Isolated strong to marginally severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible this afternoon and early this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ018-019-025>028-034>036-049-050-052-056>059-063>066-021715- Northern Centre-Southern Centre-Blair-Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata- Bedford-Fulton-Franklin-Union-Snyder-Northumberland-Perry-Dauphin- Schuylkill-Lebanon-Cumberland-Adams-York-Lancaster- 105 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 481 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING... ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov/StateCollege on the internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. Flood Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ017-024-033-021715- Clearfield-Cambria-Somerset- 105 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov/StateCollege on the internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. Isolated strong to marginally severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and heavy rain are possible this afternoon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ051-053-021715- Montour-Columbia- 105 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 481 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov/StateCollege on the internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. Isolated flash flooding is possible this afternoon through early this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report significant hazardous weather. PAZ004-005-010-021715- Warren-McKean-Elk- 105 PM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MRS
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service State College PA
1116 AM EDT Tue Jul 1 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0800 AM Rain Wrightsville 40.02N 76.53W
07/01/2025 M2.79 Inch York PA Public
&&
MRCThe State College radar (KCCX), 138 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:36 UTC.
10 thunderstorm wind, 8 flash flood, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked trees and wires down on Palmyra Bellegrove Road near the intersection of Albert Drive approximately 3 miles northwest of Annville.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked trees down onto wires on Heilmandale Road approximately 3 miles southwest of Jonestown.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked multiple trees down in Jackson Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked a tree down onto Fox Ridge Lane approximately 2 miles east-southeast of Lebanon.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked a tree down onto wires on Ted Wallace Road in Chanceford Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked a tree down onto wires approximately 2 miles south of York.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked a tree down across Dark Hollow Road in Hellam Township.
A severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked multiple trees down in Bethel Township.
A line of severe thunderstorms producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked trees down on Pleasant Valley Road near Sunset Drive approximately 2 miles northeast of Terre Hill.
Flash flooding was observed near the intersection of West Stiegel Street and South Main Street in Manheim.
Flash flooding resulted in a water rescue in Leola near the intersection of Glenola Drive and South Maple Ave.
Flash flooding was reported near the intersection of Fivepointville Road and Beam Road in Brecknock Township.
A man was killed in Sadsbury Township when a severe thunderstorm producing wind gusts estimated at 60 mph knocked a large tree limb down, which struck him as he was operating a tractor.
Ponding of water flooded Route 849 at the Duncannon subway due to heavy rain.
Multiple reports of flash flooding were received from the Bowmansville area of Brecknock Township.
Flash flooding led to high water near multiple intersections in Earl Township, including North Railroad Avenue and Fox Lane...and Route 322 and Martindale Road.
Flash flooding pushed water across the roadway near West Fritz Avenue and Smith Drive in Quarryville.
Flash flooding led to a water rescue near the intersection of Country Drive and Horizon Drive in Fivepointville.
Repeated showers and thunderstorms led to flash flooding along Snitz Creek near Snitz Creek Park in Lebanon.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderstorm Wind, Lancaster | 2025-07-01 | 60 | Male | Heavy Equipment/Construction | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in Pennsylvania, July 2025
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: 1274988, 1274989, 1274990, 1274994, 1274991, 1274992, 1274993, 1274995, 1274996, 1278552, 1278483, 1278553, 1277249, 1278554, 1278484, 1278485, 1278489, 1278492, 1273577.