- Lightning threat increases across Pennsylvania with each storm cell
- Staying safe indoors during lightning activity
- When outside: Know what to do and where not to go
- Lightning aftermath: Wait before heading back outside
- Heavy rainfall raises flash flood risks and road hazards
- Driving safety during intense downpours
- If rain overwhelms your windshield, pull over safely
Updated thunderstorm alert for Northeast Pennsylvania through Thursday evening
As of Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., the National Weather Service has issued an updated severe thunderstorm watch for Northeast Pennsylvania, remaining in effect until 10:00 p.m.. The alert includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
Intense summer storms, capable of producing damaging winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning, are tracking across the region this evening.
Lightning threat increases across Pennsylvania with each storm cell
Each year, lightning strikes the United States nearly 25 million times, most often during summer months. On average, lightning causes around 20 fatalities annually. The threat escalates sharply as the storm nears, reaching a peak when it’s directly overhead.
Vigilance and timing are essential during these conditions. The loud crack of thunder signals that lightning is dangerously close, even if rain hasn’t begun yet.
Staying safe indoors during lightning activity
If you’re inside, avoid using corded phones, electronic appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Steer clear of windows and doors, as lightning can travel through conductive materials such as metal pipes and wiring.
When outside: Know what to do and where not to go
If indoor shelter is unavailable, avoid open spaces, hilltops, and isolated trees. If you’re in a wooded area, stay near smaller trees, and keep people spaced apart to reduce the chance of current transfer.
Avoid water bodies, wet surfaces, and metal objects, all of which can conduct electricity effectively even if they don’t attract lightning. Tents offer no protection against lightning and should not be relied upon for safety.
Lightning aftermath: Wait before heading back outside
After the final lightning flash or last thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming any outdoor activity. Strikes can still occur even as the storm appears to pass.
Heavy rainfall raises flash flood risks and road hazards
Alongside lightning, heavy rain is expected across parts of Northeast Pennsylvania, which can cause localized flooding and make driving conditions treacherous.
Avoid walking or parking near culverts, drainage ditches, or low-lying areas where swift water flow can become life-threatening quickly.
Driving safety during intense downpours
Stay safe on the roads by increasing your following distance—a minimum of four seconds is recommended in these wet conditions. Slow down gradually to prevent hydroplaning, and avoid sudden braking.
Stick to center lanes, as outer lanes tend to collect more water. Turn on headlights and be mindful of other vehicles, especially in blind spots and areas of low visibility.
The first 30 minutes of rainfall are typically the most dangerous due to the mix of water, oil, and grime on the roads. Take extra caution during this time.
If rain overwhelms your windshield, pull over safely
If visibility drops to the point where you can’t see the edges of the road or other vehicles, pull over in a safe area, such as a rest stop. Avoid stopping along the shoulder unless absolutely necessary. If you must, move well off the road, turn on emergency flashers, and keep headlights on to alert other drivers of your presence.
Stay alert to evolving weather conditions tonight across Northeast Pennsylvania, and continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service.
