Strong Wind — Westmoreland Ridges, Pennsylvania

2023-11-21 · Westmoreland Ridges, Pennsylvania

Event narrative

Reports of downed trees were received from Ligonier, Derry, and St. Clair Townships.

Wider weather episode

A surface low moved slowly northward from Northern Indiana into Lower Michigan on November 21st, spreading mostly rain across the Upper Ohio Valley. Some cold air became trapped east of the ridges, leading to a localized freezing rain accumulation in eastern Fayette County.

A late morning and afternoon southeasterly low-level jet developed as well. Decent mixing and downslope/mountain wave effects led to gusty winds and several wind damage reports in Westmoreland, Fayette, and Indiana Counties. Wind gusts reached as high as a reported 61 miles per hour.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1149319. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.