The National Weather Service issued the watch for 31 counties, including Schuylkill, warning that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall.
In addition to Schuylkill County, the watch includes Adams, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Wyoming, and York counties.
Forecast models indicate that the greatest threat for Schuylkill County will occur between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., when the strongest line of storms is expected to move through the area.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware throughout the evening and be prepared to seek shelter if warnings are issued. Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly and may bring damaging winds capable of downing trees and power lines.
A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather development, but it does not mean severe weather is currently occurring. Warnings will be issued if dangerous storms develop and pose an immediate threat to life or property.