Lancaster County is bracing for a soggy and potentially dangerous evening as severe thunderstorms roll through the region. The National Weather Service in State College has issued a flood watch effective until 8 tonight, with forecasts calling for heavy rainfall that could dump up to 3 inches in some areas.
The watch spans the entire county, putting rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas at risk of excessive runoff. Periods of heavy rain are expected from this afternoon into the evening, according to meteorologists.
Already, the skies have delivered a preview of the trouble ahead. Motorists were seen driving through high water on North President Avenue near West Clay Street, at the Lancaster city and Manheim Township line, on Thursday afternoon.
The weather service warns that strong to severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds and even a tornado. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10 tonight. Specifically, a line of thunderstorms is expected to move through Lancaster County between 2:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., packing dime-sized hail and wind gusts up to 55 mph.
For anyone caught outdoors, officials urge seeking shelter inside a building. The abrupt shift in weather serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn. Stay tuned to local alerts and heed any warnings as the system moves through.
