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Update: The current wind advisory for North Central Pa. will be expiring at midnight

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Central Pennsylvania Faces Wind Advisory: Gusts Could Reach 50 mph on Friday and Saturday

A strong wind event has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pittsburgh to issue a wind advisory for central Pennsylvania. The advisory, active from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, warns residents, travelers, and local businesses that gusts could reach as high as 50 mph in the coming 48 hours. The NWS highlighted the potential for damage to trees, power lines, and other infrastructure, urging people in the affected area to take precautions and stay informed.

What the Advisory Means

Wind advisories are issued when sustained winds of 35 mph or higher—and gusts approaching 50 mph—are expected for a limited area. Although this level of wind does not qualify as a severe wind event, it can still cause significant damage. The advisory specifically cautions that the combination of wind speed and local topography could lead to trees snapping, branches falling, and power lines snapping or coming down. It also warns of the potential for localized flooding in low‑lying areas when high winds push water into drainage channels or wetlands.

Key Details from the NWS

The advisory was first released at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday and will remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The NWS identified the most at‑risk counties as Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lebanon, Lancaster, and Chester. The official NWS advisory can be accessed via the NWS Pittsburgh website, where a detailed map displays the advisory boundaries, along with a radar graphic that shows the approaching low‑pressure system responsible for the wind surge.

A quote from NWS forecaster Melissa Kline, published in the same article, reads: “We’re seeing a fairly deep low pressure system moving from the Midwest across the upper Midwest into the central United States. As it approaches, the winds will be strongest over the Appalachian ridges, especially in the northern part of the advisory area. Residents should be aware that strong gusts are expected to occur as early as this afternoon and could peak over 50 mph in the late evening and into Saturday morning.”

The NWS also posted a brief explanation of how the wind advisory is part of the agency’s layered approach to communicating severe weather. The agency uses four main types of wind warnings—wind advisory, wind warning, high wind warning, and extreme wind warning—depending on the expected wind speed and potential for damage. In this case, the wind advisory signals that the winds are strong enough to cause moderate damage but do not yet meet the threshold for a wind warning.

Community and Government Response

Local emergency management officials in York County released a statement urging residents to secure outdoor items, trim trees, and avoid driving through areas where power lines may be at risk of falling. The county’s official website includes a downloadable “Wind Advisory Checklist” with recommended steps such as:

  • Tighten or replace loose roof shingles.
  • Secure patio furniture, grill equipment, and other objects that could be thrown by the wind.
  • Inspect the exterior of homes and businesses for loose siding or loose roof tiles.
  • Avoid traveling on rural roads that may be more susceptible to fallen trees.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) also issued a brief advisory on its website, reminding drivers that wind could affect visibility on mountainous stretches of I‑70 and US 30. The PennDOT advisory suggested that drivers reduce speed in high‑wind conditions and keep a longer following distance.

Forecast Outlook

Beyond the advisory period, the NWS forecast indicates that the low pressure system will move southeast toward the Ohio Valley by Sunday. While the strongest winds are expected to occur on Friday evening and Saturday morning, the forecast model continues to show a probability of gusts above 35 mph into early Sunday, albeit with a slightly lower likelihood of reaching 50 mph. The NWS cautions that weather patterns can shift, and residents are encouraged to monitor updates on the NWS website, as well as the local news broadcasts and the PennLive weather alerts portal.

Historical Context

This wind advisory follows a series of similar events in the region earlier this season. A brief look at the NWS archive reveals that in late September a wind advisory was issued for the same area, citing a low‑pressure trough that produced gusts up to 45 mph. In that instance, several trees fell in the town of Gettysburg, causing power outages that lasted a day. The NWS notes that the Appalachians tend to funnel wind speeds, creating localized “wind corridors” where gusts can exceed those seen in lower elevations.

How to Stay Safe

  • Check the Advisory: Regularly monitor the NWS Pittsburgh website or the PennLive weather alerts page for updates. Wind advisories are time‑specific; they may be extended or shortened based on new data.
  • Secure Loose Items: Bring out or tighten all loose outdoor objects before the advisory starts. This includes garden furniture, sports equipment, lawnmowers, and any outdoor décor.
  • Check Your Roof: Inspect the roof for loose shingles or tiles that could be lifted. If you are unsure, contact a professional roof inspector for a quick assessment.
  • Avoid Traveling When Possible: If you can, postpone non‑essential travel. If you must drive, stay on main highways with multiple lanes and avoid mountainous roads where trees are more likely to fall.
  • Prepare for Power Outages: Charge mobile devices, bring flashlights, and consider a portable generator if you rely on electricity for essential medical equipment.
  • Stay Informed: Tune into local radio or television stations for real‑time updates. Many local stations carry the NWS’s 911 Alert, which broadcasts the most critical weather updates to all radios in the state.

In Summary

Central Pennsylvania’s wind advisory signals a strong, potentially damaging wind event set to unfold over Friday and Saturday. With gusts approaching 50 mph, residents and local officials are advised to take preventive measures, secure outdoor items, and stay updated on the latest forecasts. The NWS, PennDOT, and local emergency agencies are actively communicating the risks and recommended safety steps, ensuring that the community is prepared for the upcoming weather challenge. As the storm system moves further southeast, the focus will shift toward mitigating any aftereffects—particularly any power outages and potential damage to the local infrastructure—while monitoring for a gradual wind reduction into Sunday.


Read the Full Penn Live Article at:
[ https://www.pennlive.com/weather-alerts/2025/10/central-pa-placed-under-a-wind-advisory-friday-and-saturday-gusts-may-reach-50-mph.html ]