by The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tornado and flood watches for three central Pennsylvania counties—York, Lancaster, and Adams—on the evening of Friday, May 30, 2025.
The alerts remain in effect until midnight due to threats of severe weather, including possible tornadoes, damaging winds, and flash flooding.
What Happened
The NWS issued tornado and flood watches across multiple areas in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region late Friday.
York, Lancaster, and Adams counties are under a tornado watch due to the potential for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
The watch is active until midnight.
Key Details
- Tornado Watch Counties (Pa.): York, Lancaster, Adams
- Additional Tornado Watch Counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
- Watch Duration: Until midnight, May 30
- Severe Threats:
- Tornadoes
- Ping-pong-ball-sized hail
- Wind gusts exceeding 60 mph
- Flood Watch Starts: 7 p.m. Friday
- Flood-Prone Areas: Rivers, creeks, low-lying regions, urban streets with poor drainage
Reactions or Statements
The National Weather Service warned that “excessive runoff may result in flooding” and advised residents to stay alert to rapidly changing conditions.
No emergency declarations were announced as of publication, but local officials urged residents to monitor updates.
What To Do in Case of a Tornado
The NWS issued the following safety advice:
- In a home or building: Go to a basement or lowest floor interior room. Use blankets to protect from debris.
- No basement: Move to an interior hallway, stay low, and cover your head.
- Mobile home: Immediately seek a more secure structure.
- Outside or in vehicle: If safe, drive to a sturdy shelter. If not, remain in the car with seatbelt fastened, or lie in a low area like a ditch, covering your head.
The agency emphasized that the safest place during a tornado is an underground shelter or basement.
FAQs
Q: When do the tornado and flood watches expire?
A: The tornado watch is in effect until midnight, and the flood watch starts at 7 p.m. and continues into the night.
Q: What counties are impacted?
A: York, Lancaster, and Adams counties in central Pa. are under both tornado and flood watches. Several southeastern counties are also under tornado watches.
Q: What weather hazards are expected?
A: Tornadoes, ping-pong-sized hail, strong winds, and flash flooding.
Q: What should residents do to prepare?
A: Have a shelter plan, monitor alerts, and be ready to act quickly if warnings are issued.
Q: Is this event common for late May in Pennsylvania?
A: Severe weather can occur in late spring, but tornado watches are relatively rare for this area.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Tornado and flood watches are in effect for York, Lancaster, and Adams counties as severe storms move through central Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service urges residents to stay indoors, have a shelter plan, and remain informed through trusted weather updates.
Stay safe and alert as this storm system develops overnight.
