Rain, possible flooding projected for Southwestern Pa.
Share this post:
Southwestern Pennsylvania — particularly areas south of Pittsburgh — will see increased rainfall and potential flooding heading into Saturday as a cold front enters the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Western Pennsylvania, east central Ohio and northern West Virginia through Saturday, and a flood watch is in place for Fayette and Greene counties.
Moderate to localized heavy rainfall is projected for Friday into Saturday, which could lead to a minor flood threat across the area, the NWS said.
“It’s several rounds of rain that we are getting through pretty much tomorrow morning,” meteorologist Shannon Hefferan said. “(There will be) some gusty showers in the afternoon Saturday, but it is much dryer Saturday evening. The cold front moves through and we get some cooler conditions, but much dryer conditions.”
Temperatures in Allegheny County Friday will have a high of around 47 degrees, with a low of around 42. Saturday will see a high of 64 and a low of 36.
Precipitation will shift south tis morning leaving the majority of the region dry through the afternoon. Rain will return though tonight as a warm front lifts north across the region. pic.twitter.com/ZSreuvCBoh
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) March 24, 2023
Rain will continue throughout the day mainly south of Pittsburgh, and a warm front will move through early Saturday morning, bringing additional showers.
While the flood watch itself is only in two Pennsylvania counties, other areas still may see scattered flooding and rain, Hefferan added.
“It doesn’t mean we won’t get additional rain showers,” she said. “Because it is spanning over a long period of time, that helps the situation.”
Allegheny County received a half inch to an inch of rain over the past 24 hours, she said, and Washington County received more than an inch.
On Thursday evening, flooding shut down a section of Route 381 in Ligonier Township.