2026 has been a year of weather extremes, from the mountain of snow that blanketed the area in January, to Pennsylvania’s 24th tornado being confirmed in Armstrong County, to flash flooding that has plagued parts of Allegheny and Washington Counties.
The National Weather Service out of Pittsburgh says the tornado that touched down in Armstrong County is the 30th in their county-warning area this year, a record.
With rain in Wednesday night’s forecast, that may raise even more concerns of flash flooding.
Allegheny County EMS Chief Matt Brown says flash flooding happens when a lot of rain falls in a short period of time, and that's what's different from the type of flooding we've seen in the past.
“It’s not the historical river flooding that some people focus when they hear flood, it’s really more localized, low areas, poor drainage, clogs, drains, things like that,” said Brown.
Brown says it's important to be aware of weather advisories and the threat of flooding and to be prepared to act.
He reminds drivers to never try to cross a flooded road, which pose the risk not only of a car being swept away, but may also hide dangers you may not be able to see like a missing manhole cover.
We have confirmed that an EF-0 tornado occurred on Sunday in Orchard Hills in Armstrong County. This is the 30th tornado in our county warning area this year, and with that, we have now surpassed the total of 29 in 2024 for the most on record in a single year. pic.twitter.com/M8vvrErvBu
— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) August 19, 2026
