Pennsylvania

Brace for pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in part of Pennsylvania Sunday

Published

2 years ago

June 30, 2024

Brace for pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in part of Pennsylvania Sunday

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Sunday at 11:52 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 12:15 p.m. for Northern Lycoming and Southern Lycoming as well as Sullivan and Columbia counties.

Prepare for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 11:51 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Montoursville, moving east at 45 mph. Other storms were forming just west of this storm,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Williamsport, Montoursville, Hughesville, Duboistown, Jamison City, Kettle Creek Gorge, Ricketts Glen State Park, Central, Biggertown, Muncy Valley, Barbours, Loyalsockville, South Williamsport, Picture Rocks, Laporte, Eagles Mere, Williamsport Airport and Little League World Series Complex.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for central and north central Pennsylvania.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Pennsylvania

PA state rep. wants to force the York State Fair to change its name

Published

5 minutes ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

PA state rep. wants to force the York State Fair to change its name

Will the York State Fair have to change its name?

State Rep. Catherine Wallen of the 193rd House District, which stretches from Shippensburg to New Oxford, plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit fairs from using the title “state fair” in their name or advertising.

She noted that “a wave of a few fairs” recently has started using the word “state” in their name. There isn’t a statute that allows the use of a “state fair” title in Pennsylvania.

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“This legislation would change that to keep all fairs across the state on the same level and not allude that they are recognized as the Official State fair of Pennsylvania,” Wallen wrote. “The only event that truly has claim to that title is the Pennsylvania Farm Show that is held annually in Harrisburg.”

The annual agricultural fair in York County, formerly known as the York Fair, added the word “state” to its name in 2020. The event, which was set to move to July that year, had to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Agricultural Society Board of Directors voted in 2019 to change the name to join other large fairs across the country that include “state” in the name, according to a news release at the time.

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“We are as big as many state fairs across the country in terms of attendance, entries, entertainment, amusement rides, facilities, staffing and budget so the question became why not recognize ourselves as a state fair level event by calling ourselves the York State Fair,” then-CEO Bryan Blair said in the release at the time.

Patrick Ball, the fair’s current CEO, said fair officials are trying to learn more about the proposed legislation.

Teresa Boeckel is a reporter for the York Daily Record, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Contact her at tboeckel@ydr.com.

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Pennsylvania

‘Natural splendor at its best’: Penn’s Cave may become Pa.’s next state park

Published

10 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

‘Natural splendor at its best’: Penn’s Cave may become Pa.’s next state park

The boat dock at the entrance of Penn’s Cave.
HUNTER SMITH / THE EXPRESS

HUNTER SMITH / THE EXPRESS
The colored light room in Penn’s Cave.

BELLEFONTE — After four generations of family stewardship, the owners of Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park are asking the state to take over one of Centre County’s most iconic attractions in an effort to preserve it from future development.

Following remarks from CEO Russ Schleiden and his daughter, Jeanine Watson, the Centre County Commissioners on Tuesday endorsed the plan to make the natural wonder Pennsylvania’s 126th state park.

“This has been a very difficult decision for us,” said Schleiden. “But we feel that it’s a very important part of, not only Centre County, but the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and that it should be preserved in perpetuity.”

The Schleiden family has spent decades as custodians of America’s only all-water, limestone cavern, working to expand and conserve Penn’s Cave, which contains the headwaters of Penn’s Creek. To ensure the 1,400 acres of land and its waters are around for generations to come, the family is petitioning the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to designate the Penn’s Cave estate a state park and take over its stewardship.

The proposed transfer includes the cavern, Cave House, surrounding land and waterways, five homes and several barns. Watson said the family has been working toward the proposal for three years.

“I know the state, DCNR, has wonderful plans and visions for enhancing it and taking it to that next level beyond what we could do,” she said.

Penn’s Creek, which starts in the cavern, flows 34 miles to Selinsgrove where it joins the Susquehanna River Basin before emptying into the Chesapeake. The state has made significant investments in protecting those waters, and the proposed transition would expand that work.

“The tributaries also support the native brook trout,” said Schleiden, naming specifically Little Poe and Big Poe creeks, which are known for their fishing.

Penn’s Cave, he said, has always been supportive of “wildlife for everyone.”

With the commissioners’ help, Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park has invested $2 million into the local wetlands, protecting local fauna while improving the area’s accessibility. Schleiden said transferring ownership to the state would ensure that mission remains central to the property.

“We strongly desire this to go to the state to protect and continue to conserve, and have it available to the public,” Watson said.

The property also carries historical significance. Penn’s Cave and Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1978 for its local importance.

The Cave House, or hotel, was built in 1885 by the Long family, who first commercialized the cavern. At the time, visitors traversed the cave by boat using lanterns. That changed in 1927, when the Campbell family, who emigrated from Scotland to the land, electrified the cave.

“It probably had electricity before more than most of the local residents,” Schleiden said.

State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, who helped coordinate with the state on the proposed transition, also joined the commissioners for the discussion.

Benninghoff said the move would require the endorsement of the governor and both chambers of the General Assembly. The governor is aware of the plan and visited the site last year, and Benninghoff said he has drafted legislation outlining the mechanics of the transition.

“I can’t think of a better time in our country and our county’s history, at the semiquincentennial, to make this a reality,” he said. “If you want to look at Americana in its best, the park I think exemplifies that.”

“In the long run, I think this is a tremendous investment for the commonwealth,” Benninghoff said, noting the transition would not be easy but the commissioners’ endorsement could help move the project forward during this budget cycle.

The proposal also carries potential economic benefits for the region.

Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park already attracts visitors from all 50 states and several countries. During its peak season, the park employs dozens of local community members. The attraction is a multigenerational employer in Gregg Township, providing jobs for members of the Schleiden family and their employees, many of whom are young adults and teens.

Transferring ownership to DCNR and becoming Pennsylvania’s 126th state park could increase tourism and economic engagement in the area, the owners said. State parks in rural communities often bring tourism dollars and expand employment opportunities as operations grow.

Benninghoff said he could envision additional public amenities, including a campground, while emphasizing the property would remain accessible.

“This is not going to be an exclusive property that no one can access,” she said. “It’s actually one we want more people to enjoy.”

The commissioners each praised the work Schleiden and Watson have done and expressed support for the state park designation, citing the conservation, education, historical, tourism and recreational benefits of the proposal.

“Penn’s Cave is a premier tourist attraction in Centre County,” said Commissioner Mark Higgins, who noted it is one of only a few caves accessible by boat worldwide. “With the trout in the water and the wild animals surrounding it in the wildlife park, it’s a really, really fun half-day attraction to visit.”

“It’s just irreplaceable,” he said.

Commissioner Amber Concepcion called the property “an outstanding area of natural beauty” and added that it provides an opportunity for education and recreation.

“It’s a great place for kids to learn and for adults and people of all ages to spend a summer afternoon,” she said. “It would make a fantastic state park.”

Dershem called the opportunity “once in a lifetime” and said it would be a “crying shame” if the property were developed instead.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to invest in a property that is literally irreplaceable, iconic to our region and unique. I don’t know that you’ll find anything quite like it,” Dershem said. “It’s an amazing place.”

Penn’s Cave, he added, “represents who we are in Centre County” and is “natural splendor at its best.”

Benninghoff said their support will emphasize the urgency of completing the transition to state legislators.

“This endorsement by the county, visitors bureau and other people helps to emphasize that we’d really like to get this done, and time is of the essence,” he said. “People have been knocking on their door, wanting to purchase this land and break it all apart, and a lot of it would go into development.”