Storm clouds are building fast over western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia, and by midday today, the region could be slammed by a dangerous mix of flash flooding, damaging winds, and intense rainfall. If you live in or near Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Wheeling, or Morgantown, this is not a typical rainy afternoon—this is a fast-developing severe weather event that could turn streets into rivers and knock out power before dinner.
Between 12 PM and 8 PM Thursday, thunderstorms are expected to erupt across the region as a slow-moving cold front taps into steamy summer air. The setup has meteorologists and emergency managers on edge, especially after recent rain left the ground saturated and rivers already running high.
Why This Storm Is a Serious Threat
What makes today’s system especially dangerous is the combination of high moisture, slow-moving storms, and already-wet ground. According to the National Weather Service, parts of western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia could see one to two inches of rain fall in less than an hour, overwhelming local creeks, roadways, and storm drains.
That’s why the NWS has placed the entire area under a Level 2 “Slight Risk” for excessive rainfall. And with just a 15% chance of flash flooding occurring in any given spot, that might not sound huge—but when you’re talking about dozens of towns and thousands of roads, it’s a recipe for trouble.
Who’s in the Danger Zone?
If you’re in or near:
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Pittsburgh
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Greensburg
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Washington (PA)
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Morgantown
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Wheeling
…then you’re right in the line of fire.
Counties under active flood watches include Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene, and Fayette in Pennsylvania, and Monongalia and Preston in West Virginia. That means flooding is not just possible—it’s likely if storms hit hard in your area.
What to Expect and When
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12 PM to 2 PM: Storms begin to develop along the ridges and hills of western Pennsylvania.
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2 PM to 5 PM: The most intense weather is expected. Downpours could be blinding, wind gusts strong enough to down trees and power lines.
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5 PM to 8 PM: Storms gradually move east but could still hit hard in areas like Morgantown and northern parts of West Virginia.
These storms are expected to “train” over the same areas—meaning repeated hits in short succession, a classic cause of flash floods.
Potential Impacts You Should Prepare For
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Flash Flooding: Low-lying roads, underpasses, and creeks could overflow quickly.
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Power Outages: Strong winds may bring down tree limbs and power lines.
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Traffic Disruptions: Sudden street flooding could trap drivers, delay commutes, and shut down key routes.
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Property Damage: Homes with poor drainage or near streams may see basement or first-floor flooding.
If you’re planning to drive or be outdoors this afternoon, you need to monitor conditions closely. A sunny morning doesn’t mean you’re safe—storms could form and escalate quickly.
Safety Tips for the Rest of the Day
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Avoid driving through water-covered roads—even a few inches can be dangerous.
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Keep a flashlight and charged phone handy in case of power loss.
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Stay off the roads between 2 and 6 PM unless absolutely necessary.
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Move vehicles off low spots or near streams now, not later.
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Check on elderly neighbors or those in flood-prone homes.
Local emergency management is already preparing for high water rescue calls and pre-positioning response teams in high-risk areas. Be alert, not just for rain, but for alerts and warnings on your phone or from local media.
What Comes After: Relief—But Only Briefly
The cold front responsible for today’s weather should move out overnight, bringing cooler, less humid air for Friday. However, it won’t last long. Hot and stormy conditions are expected to return by Sunday, setting up what could be another active and wet pattern early next week.
