Strong thunderstorms are spreading rapidly across Central Pennsylvania, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a weather alert valid through 4 p.m. (EDT) today, Wednesday, June 27. This warning specifically targets Somerset, Bedford, Fulton, Franklin, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York, and Lancaster counties.
Numerous showers and strong-to-severe thunderstorms are developing quickly across the Southern Tier and the Lower Susquehanna Valley, with conditions intensifying as mid-afternoon approaches.
This activity is being driven by a boundary of cooler air drifting southward after morning storms passed through DuBois and State College.
Expect the following through 5 p.m.:
Scattered intense thunderstorms, with potential wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph (80 km/h), hail as large as pennies, and brief periods of heavy rainfall.
The weather service urges caution, especially for those outdoors, recommending that people seek shelter in a secure building. Storms may intensify quickly, so it’s essential to monitor local radio and TV stations for updates and additional alerts.
Staying safe during lightning: what to know now
Lightning is no small threat—it strikes the United States about 25 million times each year, mostly in the summer months, and kills around 20 people annually, according to the weather service. The risk spikes as a storm approaches and peaks when lightning is directly overhead. It gradually fades only after the storm moves on.
How to stay protected during thunderstorms
When skies darken and thunder rumbles, preparation is critical. A lightning safety plan helps reduce danger.
Before heading outside, be sure you have a shelter plan. Watch the skies and listen for thunder—if you hear it, lightning is nearby. Move inside a sturdy structure immediately.
Once indoors, avoid corded phones, plugged-in appliances, plumbing, and windows. Lightning can travel through wires and plumbing, putting you at risk even indoors.
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going back outside. Lightning can strike even after the storm appears to have passed.
Caught outside? Take these precautions
If no building is nearby, avoid hilltops, open fields, and isolated tall trees. In wooded areas, stay low, near shorter trees. Spread out if you’re with others to reduce the chance of multiple injuries from a single strike.
Do not take shelter under trees or near metal fences, and avoid water. While they don’t attract lightning, metal and water conduct electricity and can cause serious injury or death.
Tents offer no protection, so if you’re camping, look for low-lying areas like valleys or ravines—but be mindful of flood risk.
Driving in heavy rain: how to handle wet roads safely
Heavy rainfall can quickly turn roads hazardous, making flooding and reduced visibility real threats for drivers.
Stay away from ditches or drainage canals, where fast-moving water can sweep vehicles or people away.
Increase following distance—give at least four seconds of space to the vehicle in front during rain. Wet surfaces cut down traction, so braking takes longer.
Slow down, ease off the gas, and avoid abrupt stops. The first 30 minutes of rainfall are especially dangerous as oil and grime lift from the pavement, making roads extra slippery.
Stick to middle lanes, where water tends not to collect, and keep headlights on. This improves visibility for you and makes your car more noticeable to others.
Large trucks and buses throw up water spray that can blind you. Keep your distance, and pass quickly but safely.
If the rain gets too intense, pull off the road, ideally beyond the end of the guardrail. Keep emergency lights flashing and headlights on to stay visible.
In these conditions, staying alert and informed through local weather updates is vital for ensuring safe travel.
