Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Bucks and Montgomery counties, PA · ended Thu 3:30 PM EST
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EST for southeastern Pennsylvania. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
At 258 PM EST, a severe thunderstorm was located over Ambler, or 12 miles northwest of Philadelphia, moving northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Quarter size hail. Spotters reported quarter size hail in Bridgeport earlier.
SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.
IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible.
Locations impacted include... Lansdale, East Norriton, Hatboro, Ambler, Chalfont, Ivyland, Fricks, Plymouth Meeting, Willow Grove, Richboro, Horsham, North Wales, New Britain, Warminster Heights, Fort Washington, Blue Bell, Maple Glen, Brittany Farms-Highlands, Spring House, and Montgomeryville.
This includes the following highways... Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 334 and 344. Northeast Extension between mile markers 21 and 27.
What to do during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- 1Get indoorsA sturdy building is the safest place. Stay away from windows and doors.
- 2Stay off the road if you canStrong wind can bring down trees and power lines, and large hail can break windshields.
- 3Avoid water and corded phonesLightning can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
- 4Watch for a Tornado WarningSevere storms can produce tornadoes with little notice. Keep alerts on.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning questions
How long does a Severe Thunderstorm Warning last?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes, for the storm’s path. It can be extended or replaced as the storm moves.
What makes a thunderstorm severe?
In the US, wind of 58 mph or more, hail 1 inch across or larger, or a tornado. Environment and Climate Change Canada uses its own, similar limits.
Does the warning cover lightning?
No. Every thunderstorm has lightning, severe or not. When thunder roars, go indoors.