Residents across Harrisburg, York and several communities in central Pennsylvania were urged to remain alert late Saturday after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Special Weather Statement.
NWS regularly issues Special Weather Statements to highlight hazardous conditions that may not yet meet warning criteria but still pose risks to life and property.
The warning highlighted strong thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts of up to 40 mph, torrential rainfall and localized flooding. The advisory remained in effect until 11:30 pm EDT. The weather agency warned that the strongest storms could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured outdoor objects. The Special Weather Statement includes Harrisburg, York, Colonial Park, Lower Allen, Hanover, Mechanicsburg, Middletown, Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Red Lion, Elizabethtown, Dallastown, Linglestown, Enola, Steelton, Lemoyne, Spry, Progress, Hummelstown and Weigelstown. The NWS also cautioned drivers against driving through flooded roads, noting that heavy rainfall could quickly cause ponding of water and localized flooding in low-lying areas. The agency stated, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
