Periods of rain expected; Flood watch issued for several counties

PITTSBURGH — More thunderstorms are possible Thursday night into Friday morning, ahead of a significant temperature drop.

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Severe Weather Team 11 meteorologist Scott Harbaugh said the temperatures will begin to drop through the overnight hours – with another possibility of thunderstorms.

"The cold front doesn't pass through until the middle of the night tonight.  With that timing, the risk of severe weather will be diminished.  However, a period of gusty winds and heavy rain (with some thunder and lightning) will certainly be likely between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh said his biggest concern is wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph and flooding along streams and creeks due to any downpours.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for areas north of Pittsburgh Thursday morning, where most of the rain fell Wednesday night. (see map of affected areas on left). Some areas could see more than an inch of rain leading to isolated flooding issues in low-lying areas. The watch remains in effect until 5 a.m. Friday.

Friday will be much cooler with temperatures staying in the 50s. Harbaugh said much of the day will be dry, but a few showers are likely with the colder air moving into the area.

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