Pittsburgh, PA – A powerful supercell unleashed devastating winds across a 300-mile stretch from Ohio to Maryland on Saturday evening, causing widespread damage. The storm, which passed through West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, is still affecting those areas, with cleanup efforts underway.
The National Weather Service reported damaging wind gusts of up to 81 mph near Camp David, MD, and 61 mph near Morgantown, WV. Strong winds from the storm knocked down trees and power lines, causing power outages in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland. These high winds also contributed to a series of lightning strikes that lit up the skies throughout the region.
Communities in the storm’s path, particularly those near Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., have suffered the most damage.
The supercell’s strength prompted numerous weather alerts, and local authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to report any downed power lines as soon as possible. Crews are working hard to restore electricity and clear debris from roads.
The storm’s impact is being compared to severe wind events from previous years, but the magnitude of the April 19 event is unusual. Forecasters warn that additional cleanup may take several days as affected areas determine the full extent of the damage.
