State College, Pa. – Central Pennsylvania is bracing for heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, September 4, which could create dangerous travel conditions on major routes like I-99 and US-322. Drivers and morning commuters should prepare for possible delays as storms intensify throughout the day.
Forecast for Thursday: Rain and Thunderstorms
According to the National Weather Service, showers are expected to develop early Thursday, with thunderstorms following after 2 p.m. Winds may gust up to 20 mph, and rainfall totals could reach up to a quarter inch, with locally higher amounts during storms. Power outages and ponding on roads are also possible as the heaviest rain falls.
Strongest Storms Expected Overnight
In State College, the strongest storms are forecast to hit late Thursday evening into the overnight hours. Residents are urged to:
- Charge devices and secure outdoor items.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the peak storm times.
PennDOT has also warned that wet leaves could contribute to slick road conditions on secondary roads, creating additional hazards for drivers.
A Break in the Weather for Friday
By Friday, conditions will improve with mostly sunny skies and highs near 80 degrees. However, another round of showers is expected on Saturday, potentially disrupting early fall outdoor events and football games across the region.
Temperatures will dip to the mid-40s overnight Saturday, bringing a taste of crisp fall air for Sunday morning.
Looking Ahead: More Mild Days
The unsettled pattern will continue into early next week, though Sunday and Tuesday are expected to be dry and seasonably mild. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates as additional weather advisories may be issued if storms redevelop.
Five-Day Forecast for State College, Pa.
- Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, high near 79°F, low 56°F. Winds up to 20 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 80°F, low 60°F. Slight chance of evening thunderstorms.
- Saturday: Chance of showers, high 74°F, low 48°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 70°F, low 45°F.
- Monday: Partly cloudy, high 72°F, low 40°F.
Conclusion
With heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in State College Thursday, residents should prepare for hazardous driving conditions and possible power outages. Friday offers a respite with sunny weather, but another round of showers is likely by Saturday.
How are you preparing for the storms in State College? Share your tips or experiences in the comments below.
