Tornado-Capable Severe Thunderstorm Near Waynesburg Prompts Urgent Warning as Storm Moves East at 45 mph
PENNSYLVANIA – A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was detected near Waynesburg on Thursday, triggering immediate weather alerts as the storm pushed east at 45 mph through Greene and Fayette counties.
Storm Shows Tornadic Potential on Radar
Radar imagery highlighted strong rotation signatures within an intense storm band stretching across multiple communities south of Pittsburgh. The warning polygon covered areas from East Finley to Luzerne, Republic, and Morrisville, placing these towns squarely inside the highest-concern zone. Radar displayed deep red and orange storm cores, indicating heavy rain, damaging winds, and rapid development.
Communities Directly in Path of the Severe Cell
The storm threatened Luzerne, Republic, Morrisville, Wind Ridge, and Masontown as it tracked east at high speed. Residents ahead of the storm had very limited time to take shelter, given the storm’s aggressive movement. Conditions along major routes such as I-79 and I-70 quickly deteriorated due to intense rainfall and strong wind gusts.
Weather Authorities Urge Immediate Protective Action
The National Weather Service urged individuals in the warning area to move immediately to interior rooms, basements, or storm-safe shelters. Weather officials noted that storms capable of rotation can produce tornadoes suddenly and with little to no visual confirmation, especially when heavy rain wraps around the circulation. Emergency managers also cautioned that downed trees, power outages, and scattered structural damage were possible.
Residents Report Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
Communities across Greene and Fayette counties experienced powerful wind gusts, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours as the storm moved overhead. Meteorologists continued to monitor the system as it pushed toward eastern Fayette County, maintaining dangerous wind signatures and embedded rotating cells. Additional storm development was expected to follow throughout the evening.
If you are in the affected area, have you witnessed any damage or severe weather today? Share your experience and stay updated with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuing coverage.
