First Alert Weather: Heavy winds expected, severe thunderstorms possible
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Heavy winds are headed to our area from the west today, and gusts could exceed 60 mph.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for western Pennsylvania until 6 p.m.
A watch means that the ingredients are in the atmosphere which could lead to strong storms.
Meanwhile, the area also remains under a High Wind Warning until 8 p.m.
Mary Ours, Ray Petelin, and Kristin Emery will make sure you're weather-aware throughout the afternoon and evening.
Pittsburgh Weather: Saturday storms and high winds begin to taper off into evening
Gusty winds and severe thunderstorms knocked out power and caused plenty of damage around the tri-state area on Saturday.
FIRST ALERT: Ends at 8 p.m.
AWARE: Warm start to the week, could see a few more showers/storms Wed-Thurs.
WEATHER LINKS:
Current Conditions | School Closings & Delays | Submit Your Weather Photos
The wind warning/advisory will end at 8 p.m., and winds will still be breezy, gusting up to 35 mph until late tonight, but then they will calm through the day Sunday.
Cooler air invades behind this strong cold front, with lower dropping to nearly 30 and possibly a flurry or mix of rain/snow showers possible tonight in the Laurel Highlands. Skies will gradually clear Sunday with seasonable temperatures before much warmer air (highs in the 70s) moves in Monday and Tuesday.
While we could see a stray shower in spots Monday and Tuesday, the next chance for widespread showers and even a few thunderstorms will be Wednesday and Thursday.
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PHOTOS: High winds and thunderstorms wreak havoc across the area
Saturday's high winds and storms left thousands without power and many were quick to see debris scattered throughout their neighborhoods.
Several KDKA viewers sent us their pictures of the storm's aftermath.
Heavy winds uproot trees in Monaca
As the storms move across the region, they're bringing down trees and even uprooting them cleanly.
One KDKA viewer sent us pictures from Monaca, with a tree coming down behind a home and a tree being completely uprooted near Monaca's football field.
Thousands of Penn Power and Duquesne Light customers in the dark
As storms move through the area along with high winds, we'll keep you updated on power outage numbers as they become available.
As of 11:15 p.m. EST: these are the latest numbers.
Penn Power: 114,628
Duquesne Light: 14,884
We will update these numbers as we get the latest.
Watch vs. Warning: Knowing the difference
Some of the most important weather terminologies for safety are often the most confusing weather terminology. Those terms are "watch" and "warning".
Both words are used to describe the potential for severe weather, and while they sound similar, they have very different meanings.
On the other hand, warnings are issued when severe weather is occurring, imminent or likely.
A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property, and people in the path of the storm need to take protective action.
You can see a full breakdown in a Hey Ray piece I did in 2021!
Hey Ray! Explaining The Differences Between Weather Watches And Weather Warnings
High Wind Warning in place until 8 p.m.
The High Wind Warning for Allegheny County and south goes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and so does the Wind Advisory for areas north of Pittsburgh.
Wind gusts will be around 50-60mph and possibly even stronger for the ridges. We make it to the mid-60s this afternoon, but we won't be able to enjoy it much.
Even if we get some sunshine that's going to add to the ingredients for severe storms to develop. We are under a 'slight risk' for severe weather meaning scattered strong to severe storms are possible across the state.
Damaging winds, hail, and even an isolated tornado are possible for everyone so stay weather aware.