Pittsburgh Area Raked by Severe Storms

A briefing on the severe storms in Pennsylvania this afternoon... Local storm chaser Ron "R-Factor" Shawley reports that WJAC-TV reported calls of rotation in storms Cresson Mountain, Raystown and that 18,000 are without power in Johnstown.

Several lines of storms have moved through the state today. WJAC's website reported trees down and flooding in Cambria county from this morning's storms. AccuWeather.com LightningPlus reports that over 31,000 Lightning Strikes hit the ground in southwest Pennsylvania between 3 pm and 5 pm (see below):

But the worst damage has been in Pittsburgh. Earlier, WTAE reported that they were getting calls about possible tornadoes or funnel clouds sighted near Pittsburgh, according to Ron. The Pittsburgh area also got significant flooding this morning; their website has more details and photos. More than 100,000 were without power in Pittsburgh along with a building collapse and other damage downtown. KDKA has video and more information.

Blog reader Patrick reports that his family experienced a possible tornado at the Carnegie Science Center, where windows were blown out on the fourth floor. Windows were also blown out on 5th avenue downtown according to KDKA. Ron also reports from a friend of his that a power pole had fallen on a taxicab. Ron personally experienced the storms near Johnstown and will no doubt have video and photos forthcoming.

The storms came through State College, PA, home of AccuWeather HQ and my house, this morning and I have uploaded a photo and some videos of some interesting clouds.

Another line of storms is in eastern Ohio as of 5 pm and is expected to affect the area this evening.

6 PM RADAR