Tornado Warning Sent Across Parts of Montgomery and Chester Counties

At about 2:45 p.m. EDT, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued a tornado warning that now covers portions of Montgomery County and neighboring Chester County. The warning, which is expected to last roughly 30 minutes, came after radar showed a rotating thunderstorm approaching the area at a brisk pace.

Officials say the storm could produce brief, but potentially damaging, tornadoes—likely on the lower end of the scale, perhaps EF‑0 or EF‑1—but the main threat is strong, gusty winds and large hail the size of golf balls. "If you’re in the warned zone, get inside right away, away from windows, and stay on the lowest floor if possible," warned Montgomery County emergency manager Karen Lewis.

The warning stretches from the north side of Norristown, through the communities of Blue Bell and Worcester, and extends southward into parts of Chester County around West Chester and West Grove. Residents in these zones should avoid travel unless absolutely necessary; many local roads are already experiencing heavy traffic as people rush to safety.

Earlier this afternoon a tornado watch was in effect for a broader swath of southeastern Pennsylvania, giving people a heads‑up that conditions were ripe for rotation. The current warning narrows that focus, pinpointing exactly where the storm is expected to touch down.

If you’re caught outdoors, the advice is simple: find sturdy shelter immediately—ideally a building with a basement or an interior hallway away from exterior walls. Cars, mobile homes, and other temporary structures are especially vulnerable.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will issue any updates through local radio, TV, and the Emergency Alert System. Keep your phone alerts on, and stay tuned to local news stations for the latest information.

While the tornado warning is serious, officials stress that the majority of storms will pass without major damage. Still, it’s better to err on the side of caution—take this warning seriously, protect yourself and your loved ones, and wait for the all‑clear before heading back outside.