Severe Thunderstorm Warning: South Central PA

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Affected Areas in South Central PA

This Severe Thunderstorm Warning affects a significant portion of South Central Pennsylvania. Knowing if your location is impacted is the first step to staying safe.

Specific Counties/Townships

The following counties and townships are currently under the severe thunderstorm warning:

• York County: Including but not limited to York City, Spring Grove, Hanover, and Red Lion.
• Adams County: Including Gettysburg, Hanover, and surrounding areas.
• Cumberland County: Parts of Cumberland County are also experiencing severe weather conditions. Check local news for specific details.
• Lancaster County: Certain areas in Lancaster County are affected; please refer to official weather alerts for precise locations.

Note: This list may not be exhaustive. Always refer to official weather sources for the most up-to-date information.

[Link to relevant weather map showing affected areas – replace bracketed information with actual link]

Hazards Associated with the Severe Thunderstorm Warning

The severe thunderstorms currently impacting South Central PA bring a multitude of dangerous weather hazards.

High Winds

Expect damaging winds with gusts potentially reaching [insert expected wind speed] mph. These high winds pose a significant threat:

• Risks of downed power lines and trees: Stay away from downed power lines; assume they are live and dangerous. Downed trees can block roads and cause structural damage.
• Damage to property and structures: High winds can cause significant damage to buildings, including broken windows, roof damage, and even structural collapse. Secure loose objects outside.
• Safety precautions to take during high winds: Stay indoors in a sturdy building, away from windows. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.

Hail

Large hail, potentially reaching [insert expected hail size] in diameter, is possible. This hail can cause considerable damage:

• Damage to vehicles and property: Hail can dent vehicles, break windows, and damage roofing materials. Park vehicles in garages or under cover if possible.
• Personal injury risks: Large hail can cause serious injuries if struck. Seek shelter immediately.
• Actions to protect oneself and property from hail: Move vehicles indoors. Protect windows with plywood or storm shutters if available.

Tornadoes (if applicable)

[If a tornado warning is issued, add a section here detailing the immediate actions needed, including seeking shelter in a basement or interior room, away from windows. Include links to the National Weather Service's tornado safety guidelines.]

Safety Precautions and Emergency Actions

Your safety is paramount during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

Immediate Actions

If you are in an affected area, take these immediate steps:

• Seek immediate shelter indoors, away from windows: Go to a basement or interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Unplug electronic devices: Protect your electronics from power surges.
• Stay informed about weather updates: Continuously monitor official weather sources.

Monitoring the Severe Weather

Stay updated on the evolving situation using these resources:

• Official weather sources (National Weather Service): [Link to relevant NWS website]
• Weather apps: Download a reliable weather app and set location alerts.
• Local news channels: Local news provides real-time updates on severe weather conditions.

After the Storm

Once the severe thunderstorm has passed:

• Check for damage: Inspect your property for damage, but be cautious of downed power lines and other hazards.
• Report damage to local authorities: Contact your local emergency services to report any significant damage.
• Stay aware of potential hazards (flooding, downed power lines): Flooding can occur after heavy rainfall, and downed power lines remain dangerous.

Conclusion

This Severe Thunderstorm Warning for South Central PA necessitates immediate action. Remember the key hazards – high winds, large hail, and potential tornadoes – and follow all safety precautions. Stay informed through official sources like the National Weather Service and local news. Stay safe during this Severe Thunderstorm Warning in South Central PA. Remain vigilant and follow all safety instructions from official sources. Your safety is the top priority. Remember to check for updates and continue to monitor the situation. Don't underestimate the power of severe thunderstorms. Stay safe!