Damaging wind gusts possible with afternoon, evening storms

Damaging wind gusts are possible with storms in the Pittsburgh area this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service said it is anticipating isolated severe storms this afternoon. Strong and potentially damaging wind gusts are the main threat with the strongest of them.

Wind gusts of 40 mph to 50 mph were being recorded as the storms were moving across Ohio, meteorologist Michael Brown said. Similar winds, if not stronger, could be seen in the Pittsburgh area.

“We’re not looking at widespread severe potential, but there could be some isolated instances of damaging winds,” he said.

⛈ As of 4pm, showers and thunderstorms continue to move east across Ohio. This line will soon be making its way into the northern WV Panhandle and into western PA. Gusty winds are still a threat with this line. pic.twitter.com/fscmFvs386

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) April 16, 2023

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to arrive over most of the region between 4 and 6 p.m. It should be winding down around 8 to 9 p.m., Brown said.

Residents are advised to monitor the latest forecasts and remain weather aware.

As of about 8 p.m., Duquesne Light was reporting nearly 1,200 customers without power, mainly in the North Hills area including Ohio Township and Franklin Park. Within a half hour, that number had fallen to less than 60, mostly in Ross.

West Penn Power was reporting just over 900 customers affected in Westmoreland County, with most of those in Hempfield and Jeannette. Power was expected to be restored by 10:30 p.m., according to the utility’s website.

The storms are coming with a cold front that will bring much cooler air for the first half of the coming week, Brown said.

After a high near 80 on Sunday, highs in the 40s and 50s are forecast for Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday morning will be particularly cold, with lows in the low to mid-30s and frost possible in the coldest spots of the region.

Highs in the 70s are expected Thursday and Friday, Brown said.