Heavy rains impact State College area during Arts Fest; flood watch is in effect
Heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted a busy afternoon in the State College area on Friday.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of central Pennsylvania, including parts of Centre County, until 10 p.m. The agency says flash flooding is possible due to excessive rainfall.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the agency wrote in the advisory. “Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
Much of South Allen Street — the heart of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts — was a ghost town around 1:45 p.m. as heavy rain flooded the streets and sent festival attendees and exhibitors running for shelter.
A post from the Central PA Tasting Trail, host of Arts Fest’s craft beverage expo, showed Memorial Field flooded with water. Rebelz Mobile Cuisine, a food truck operating at Arts Fest, shared a video on Facebook of the downpour and people gathering under a half-collapsed tent for shelter.
“In all seriousness, please send some good vibes and a prayer route for the food trucks and artists at arts fest,” the post read. “There has been damage. Operations are impacted. Fortunately we’re able to run, but this storm packed a punch.”
AccuWeather’s forecast for State College calls for a 63% chance of rain and thunderstorms continuing through 4 p.m. A stormy afternoon is expected to give way to a cool, party cloudy evening.
A roughly 55% chance of precipitation is the forecast for Saturday, according to AccuWeather. Those attending festivals in town should expect a high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, partly cloudy skies and a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon.
Staying safe during flooding
Flooding kills more people in the U.S. every year than any other severe weather-related hazard, according to the NWS. Taking proper precautions can save lives.
More than half of all flood-related drownings occur when vehicles are driven into hazardous flood waters, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The NWS uses the popular phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” to emphasize the unsuspecting power of flood water. After all, just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult and carry them downstream. A foot of water can sweep away a small car, while between 18 and 24 inches of fast-moving flood water can drag away most large SUVs, trucks and vans.
Moving to higher ground is key when flooding strikes. Avoid areas that are more susceptible to flooding, such as underground parking garages, basements, low water crossings and underpasses on roadways. Areas near rivers are at a higher risk of flooding during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall.
Even if you do not live in an area thought to be at a high risk for flooding, be prepared. Roughly 94% of flood reports in Pennsylvania made to the NWS between 1993 and 2023 occurred outside of Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated flood hazard areas. According to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, where it rains, it can flood.
If you are ordered to evacuate your home, make sure to turn off your utilities, close central gas valves and gather emergency supplies, the CDC advises. Never drink flood water or use it for household purposes if your home floods.
This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 3:16 PM.
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