Pennsylvania, 2026

Tornado and Flash Flood in Pennsylvania, June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026 · NWS PBZ · 9 events in 2 counties and zones

A narrow warm sector along and south of a nearly stationary boundary saw showers and thunderstorms develop in the afternoon hours. Training along the boundary mostly resulted in a flash flooding threat, though moisture pooling ahead of the front supported MLCAPE values reaching 1000 J/kg, and 30-40 knots of effective shear supported some storm organization for a damaging wind and embedded…

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
$47,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
9

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.

A narrow warm sector along and south of a nearly stationary boundary saw showers and thunderstorms develop in the afternoon hours. Training along the boundary mostly resulted in a flash flooding threat, though moisture pooling ahead of the front supported MLCAPE values reaching 1000 J/kg, and 30-40 knots of effective shear supported some storm organization for a damaging wind and embedded tornado threat with locally backed surface wind.

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 Jun 22, 1:00 PM EST, 2 hours 42 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1) Rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected today through this evening. Risks for isolated severe thunderstorms and instances of flash flooding remain. 2) Dry conditions and seasonable temperatures are expected through midweek.
Area forecast discussion, Jun 22, 1:00 PM EST, 2 hours 42 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
200 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Updated aviation section for 18z TAF package.

Slight increase in chance for tornadoes with any severe storms
this afternoon especially over northern WV and parts of
southwestern PA. Uncertainty remains regarding where the axis
of heaviest rainfall sets up today, but trends indicate it is
likely south of Pittsburgh, potentially in northern West
Virginia.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected today
through this evening. Risks for isolated severe thunderstorms
and instances of flash flooding remain.

2) Dry conditions and seasonable temperatures are expected
through midweek.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...
This afternoon, moisture maximizes in areas south of
Pittsburgh, with precipitable water maximizing in the 1.6 to 1.8
inch range. Despite abundant cloud cover, surface-based CAPE is
expected to build above 1000 J/kg southeast of a rough
IDI/PIT/ZZV line (40% or greater chance on HREF progs).
Expected 0-6km shear of 25-35 knots should be sufficient for
storm organization into clusters/lines ahead of the advancing
cold front. Damaging winds are the most likely severe threat in
this scenario. Tornadoes are the secondary threat where
convection could potentially take advantage of locally backed
flow in the vicinity of the warm sector, most likely southeast
of Pittsburgh, where the SPC Slight (level 2 of 5) Risk of
severe thunderstorms exists. More isolated potential exists over
the rest of the region for damaging gusts.

The noted precipitable water levels suggest efficient rain-
producing storms, as does decent low-level sounding saturation
and warm cloud depths. Fast storm motion should help to limit
the heavy rain threat to some degree unless training occurs.
CAMS are also still in disagreement as to where the heaviest
corridor of precipitation may set up and REFS/HREF suggesting
maximum total rainfall potential of 2 to 3 inches in the
worst case scenario. Such rainfall totals could cause localized
flood issues. If later CAM runs focus heavy rainfall more
favorably on a region (most likely target zone: northern West
Virginia), then a short-fuse Flood Watch could be considered.

The passage of the cold front tonight should decrease coverage
of showers and storms from west to east, likely pulling out of
the southeastern ridges overnight. A developing subsidence
inversion will likely lock in low-level moisture, producing
stratus and fog late tonight.

KEY MESSAGE 2...
High pressure builds in the wake of the departing low, and after
a potentially dreary sunrise Tuesday, dry weather and a trend
towards seasonable temperatures is expected through Wednesday.
High values should reach the upper 70s to around 80 by midweek.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Flow has decreased near track of surface low and light winds
have allowed IFR stratus to persist at KDUJ and KBVI. While
would expect some improvement likely to MVFR by evening, the
ceilings will lower again after dark to IFR in most locations.

Showers and thunderstorms will be most prevalent in the central
and southern TAF sites but associated wind gusts. Severe gusts
are unlikely with moist airmass but brief LIFR downpours are
expected. Isolated tornadoes possible until 22-00z.

Activity will decrease from west to east after 00Z as a cold
front crosses. However, a developing subsidence inversion should
lock in low-level moisture, producing IFR conditions in stratus
and fog after sunset and continuing through the night. These
restrictions should be in place through about 15Z.

Outlook...

VFR conditions are likely to return Tuesday by 15z after the
morning stratus burns off. The next chance for widespread
restrictions will be Thursday with increased precipitation
potential.

&&

.PBZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...None.
OH...None.
WV...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...CL/Lupo
AVIATION...Craven
Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 22, 11:52 AM EST, 3 hours 50 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
1252 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

PAZ021-029-031-073>076-WVZ004-012-021-509>514-231700-
Allegheny-Washington-Greene-Westmoreland-
Higher Elevations of Westmoreland-Fayette-
Higher Elevations of Fayette-Marshall-Wetzel-Marion-Monongalia-
Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston-
Eastern Preston-Western Tucker-Eastern Tucker-
1252 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms this
afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat
with the chance of a tornado.

Also, rounds of showers and thunderstorms may produce instances of
heavy rainfall into this evening. There is the potential
for isolated flooding issues, particularly in urban and poor
drainage areas. A short-fuse Flood Watch may be issued later today
if the threat increases.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

OHZ039>041-048>050-057>059-068-069-PAZ007>009-013>016-020-022-077-
078-WVZ001>003-231700-
Tuscarawas-Carroll-Columbiana-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson OH-
Muskingum-Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Mercer-Venango-Forest-
Lawrence-Butler-Clarion-Jefferson PA-Beaver-Armstrong-Indiana-
Higher Elevations of Indiana-Hancock-Brooke-Ohio-
1252 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms
this afternoon and evening with wind being the main threat.

Also, rounds of showers and thunderstorms may produce instances of
heavy rainfall into this evening. There is the potential
for isolated flooding issues, particularly in urban and poor
drainage areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

Lupo

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jun 22, 3:32 PM EST, 10 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
432 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0431 PM     Flash Flood      1 E Wheeling            40.08N 80.68W
06/22/2026                   Ohio               WV   911 Call Center

            Several roads closed due to flash flooding,
            including Lynwood Ave.

&&

WM
Local storm report, Jun 22, 3:40 PM EST, 2 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
440 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0440 PM     Flash Flood      2 SSW West Liberty      40.14N 80.61W
06/22/2026                   Ohio               WV   911 Call Center

            Roads closed due to flash flooding.

&&

WM
Local storm report, Jun 22, 3:41 PM EST, 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
441 PM EDT Mon Jun 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0440 PM     Flash Flood      1 WNW Wheeling          40.08N 80.72W
06/22/2026                   Ohio               WV   Public

            Route 40 closed due to flash flooding.

&&

WM

The radar

The Pittsburgh radar (KPBZ), 59 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:42 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

7 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When
June 22, 3:42 PM EST
Where
Washington County, 1.41 mi SSE of Coal Center
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.051, -79.920

Tree down and large branch snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
June 22, 3:50 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.52 mi E of Fayette City
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.099, -79.820

Tree down across roadway on Hamer Road near Navajo Valley Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
June 22, 3:55 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.87 mi ESE of Lowber
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.066, -79.834

Tree down across the road near the intersection of Williams Road and Gillespie Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
June 22, 4:04 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.23 mi SW of Layton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
40.087, -79.735

Tree and wires down across Layton Road near Falbo Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
June 22, 4:07 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.58 mi WNW of Flatwoods
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.042, -79.755

Several trees down.

Tornado, Fayette

When
June 22, 4:14 PM EST to 4:16 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.2 mi ENE of Elm Grove to 0.5 mi NW of Leisenring
Rating
EF1
Path length
1.12 mi
Path width
140 yd
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
40.007, -79.679

NWS Storm Survey confirms an EF-1 tornado with maximum wind of 90 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
June 22, 4:20 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.85 mi SSW of Owensdale
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.069, -79.628

Trees and power lines down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
June 22, 4:23 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.62 mi ESE of Broad Ford
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
40.047, -79.609

Tree down partially blocking Broadford Road at Hickory Square Road.

Flash Flood, Fayette

When
June 22, 6:30 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.24 mi SSE of Elliottsville to 0.67 mi NNW of Elliottsville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.767, -79.629

Member of the public reported that Wharton Furnace Road was being washed out with flooding around region.

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.
Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Pennsylvania in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Pennsylvania, 2026Warnings in Pennsylvania, June 2026

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: 1353538, 1353540, 1353539, 1353541, 1353542, 1353537, 1353543, 1353544, 1355830.