High Wind — Westmoreland Ridges, Pennsylvania

2023-03-03 to 2023-03-04 · Westmoreland Ridges, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

Reports of road closures due to downed trees and wires included State Route 259 and Ligonier Road near New Florence, Route 1007 near Conpitt Junction, Route 271 and Nature Run Road at Waterford, and Route 259 near Millbank. Numerous trees and power lines were also reported down in Ligonier.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure tracked from the Lower Mississippi Valley on the morning of the 3rd towards the northeast U.S. coast on the morning of the 4th. Ahead of the low, ideal conditions for enhanced downslope wind existed along west-facing slopes of Indiana, Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, as strong southeast flow underneath an inversion at ridgetop accelerated as it progressed downslope, creating many measured wind gusts of 50 to 60 MPH on the 3rd. Localized 70 MPH wind, although not measured, likely occurred as well. Damage was most concentrated along the west-facing slopes of Fayette and Westmoreland, with many reports of tree and structural damage. Power outages were also widespread, with over 28% of Fayette County out at one point during the event. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency was issued for the county in the wake of the wind at noon on the 4th, with the city of Connellsville also issuing a local declaration.

Incidents of wind damage were more isolated in other portions of southwest Pennsylvania, as wind gusts were slightly less severe, generally topping out at around 50 MPH.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1088317. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.