The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch which remains in effect until 9 p.m. for Schuylkill County and much of central and western Pennsylvania.
Based on current forecasts, the strongest storms are expected to push through Schuylkill County between approximately 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. The watch could be extended or replaced by additional alerts if severe weather remains a threat after 9 p.m.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. Residents should monitor changing conditions and be prepared to move indoors if warnings are issued.
Outdoor furniture, decorations and other loose objects should be secured before the storms arrive. Drivers could encounter reduced visibility, ponding on roadways and localized flooding during heavier downpours.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe weather has been detected by radar or reported by trained spotters. Anyone inside a warned area should immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
The watch includes 50 Pennsylvania counties, including neighboring Columbia, Dauphin, Lebanon and Northumberland counties.