Severe weather threat is over, showers to linger, NWS says

Update at 5 p.m.: The severe threat has passed for central Pennsylvania, but some leftover showers will be around, said John La Corte, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Reported earlier

A tornado watch has been issued for central Pennsylvania until 9 p.m. tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

The watch affects much of the area, including York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Adams and Franklin counties.

The weather agency said at 3:45 p.m. that the most intense storms were moving through York and Lancaster counties. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect.

Damaging winds of 60 mph or greater are possible, the agency says. Locally heavy rain could cause flooding.

Tornadoes are a possibility, too, said Mike Colbert, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

York, Lancaster and Lebanon counties are in the enhanced risk area, Colbert said. But Adams and Dauphin counties were included in a hazardous weather outlook issued by the agency.

This comes a week after tornadoes touched down in parts of Pennsylvania. One tore through Franklin County. 

The track of today's storm is similar to what was seen last Friday but might not be as severe, Colbert said.

The storms are expected to arrive by mid-afternoon and continue through early evening, he said. Residents should stay tuned for any watches or warnings, which are expected to be issued later today.

Check back later for more details.

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Check out these photos from an Aug. 31 flash flood: