Tornado watch issued as storms cross Centre County. Here’s what to know
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch Wednesday covering a large stretch of central and southwestern Pennsylvania.
The watch, which includes Centre County, is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday. The agency said storms in the impacted area could bring wind gusts up to 70 mph, scattered hail up the size of a ping-pong ball and tornados.
The latest AccuWeather forecast for the State College area calls for heavy thunderstorms and potentially damaging winds continuing through Wednesday evening.
The NWS issues a tornado watch when tornadoes are possible in or near the affected area, which usually covers multiple counties or even states. Once watches are issued, you should prepare for severe weather and “review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room,” the agency wrote online.
Tornado warnings, meanwhile, are issued when a tornado has been seen or indicated by radar and there is immediate danger to life or property. When these warnings are issued, residents in impacted areas should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Those in mobile homes, vehicles or outdoor areas should find shelter and protect themselves from flying debris, according to the NWS.
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