Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Allegheny, Beaver, Butler counties

A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect for much of Allegheny, Beaver and Butler counties Sunday evening, the National Weather Service said.

A fast-moving series of storms posed a risk of bringing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail to areas such as the Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, Monaca and Economy, as well as the North Hills municipalities of Hampton, McCandless and Cranberry, and according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Moon.

Parts of the South Hills, city of Pittsburgh and eastern and northern suburbs of Wilkinsburg, Harwick and Oakmont also could see heavy winds and lightning.

Potentially strong winds could cause damage to vehicles as well as knock down trees or power lines, the warning said.

The warning was in effect through about 5:45 p.m.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Pittsburgh PA, Allison Park PA, Wilkinsburg PA until 5:45 PM EST pic.twitter.com/fUS4jDS1nP

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) December 1, 2019

As of shortly after 4:30 p.m., the storms were moving northeast from New Brighton toward Leetsdale at about 25mph.

Affected thoroughfares could include the Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 17 and 38; Interstate 79 between mile markers 71 and 93; and Interstate 279 near mile marker 13; and Interstate 376 between mile markers 34 and 39, the weather service said.

Officials advised anyone in the area to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

A warning means that severe weather conditions are imminent or already happening, as opposed to a watch, which describes conditions that could develop into severe storms.

Report severe weather updates by calling 412-262-1988 or reaching out to the weather service’s Facebook or Twitter accounts (@NWSPittsburgh).

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Franklin Park PA, Fernway PA, Aliquippa PA until 5:15 PM EST pic.twitter.com/l3KhyQMdDY

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) December 1, 2019