Severe storms are predicted to sweep into eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania late Sunday, posing hazards of destructive winds, giant hail, and isolated tornadoes through the night and early Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 “Slight Risk” warning for severe storms beginning Sunday evening, March 30, and extending overnight into March 31. Areas further east, such as Pittsburgh, Butler, and Morgantown, have a Level 1 “Marginal Risk.”
According to forecasters, the most likely threat is severe wind gusts more than 60 mph (ca. 97 km/h), but the setting may also encourage the development of isolated tornadoes and pockets of giant hail. While confidence is highest in eastern Ohio, specifically in areas such as Columbus, Zanesville, and New Philadelphia, conditions may continue to affect western Pennsylvania regions late into the night.
We encourage residents to monitor local alerts, activate their weather radios, and activate emergency notifications on their mobile devices. Severe storms may approach after dark, increasing the likelihood of missed warnings.
Drivers should be aware of potential hazards, particularly near the I-70 and I-77 corridors. In the event of a warning, immediately seek shelter in a solid building that is not near windows.
