Pittsburgh’s bracing for another round of rough weather, with severe storms forecast to batter the region over the next three days. The National Weather Service has issued a heads-up for Western Pennsylvania, warning of potential thunderstorms packing high winds, heavy rain, and even a chance of tornadoes. After Tuesday’s brutal storms left a trail of destruction—downed trees, power outages for over 400,000 homes, and at least two deaths in Allegheny County—residents are on edge.
The forecast, kicking off today, May 1, calls for scattered thunderstorms through Sunday. Meteorologists say the strongest storms could hit late afternoons and evenings, fueled by a warm, unstable air mass clashing with cooler fronts. Winds could gust up to 60 mph, and rainfall might trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas. The Weather Service’s Pittsburgh office noted a “moderate risk” of severe weather, particularly on Friday, when conditions could mirror Tuesday’s chaos. That day, a line of storms tore through at speeds topping 80 mph, prompting tornado warnings and leaving schools shuttered on April 30.
Local officials aren’t taking chances. Allegheny County’s Emergency Management Agency has urged residents to secure outdoor items, stock up on essentials, and stay glued to weather alerts. Pittsburgh Public Schools, still reeling from Tuesday’s disruptions, have contingency plans for closures or early dismissals. Power companies, scrambling to restore electricity to thousands still in the dark, say crews are prepping for fresh outages.
The region’s no stranger to springtime tempests, but this week’s one-two punch feels personal. Tuesday’s storms, which barreled in on April 29, caught many off guard. A severe thunderstorm watch blanketed the area until 10 p.m., with radar lighting up like a Christmas tree. By Wednesday, the damage was clear: neighborhoods littered with debris, roads blocked, and families mourning losses.
For now, Pittsburghers are urged to keep flashlights handy, charge devices, and know their safe spots. The next three days could test the city’s grit again. Storms are expected to peak Friday afternoon, with a 40% chance of severe conditions, including hail and isolated tornadoes. Saturday and Sunday look dicey too, though the intensity may ease. Rainfall totals could hit two inches by Sunday, with urban areas at risk for flooding.