Sandcastle Waterpark Closed: Severe storms in Pittsburgh area close waterpark
Our first severe thunderstorm warning of the day has been issued. Doesn’t look like much right now on the radar, but through 1 o’clock, those of you in Newcastle to Elwood City back through most of Beaver County extending towards prospects prospects, Zillionople and Cranberry Township under the severe thunderstorm warning. The main portion of that storm still back in eastern Ohio around Canton will bring the potential for damaging winds, even some small hail. The storm is moving east at about 65 MPH, so. Again, even though it’s just light rain now, things will be ramping up here as we get closer to the top of the 1 o’clock hour. Everybody else on the severe weather alert day just starting to tap into some of that rain. We are seeing *** few more pockets of heavier rain, especially tracking along I-70 where we may see the greatest risk for flash flooding going forward today. So here’s *** breakdown of what you can expect two waves of storms coming in. Strongest is going to be between now and 5 o’clock this evening, damaging winds leading the way. It’s going to be. Area wide threat for us, but we also can’t overlook the tornado. Large hail potential to heavy rain as well. Greatest risk again will be south of I-70. We’ll talk more about that flood watch here in just *** second on future cast is the latest run. You can see more vibrant colors of yellow, orange, and red, especially hugging I-70 points towards the south. We are probably going to see the most action in the southern half of our viewing area. Still, parts of Allegheny County though could get in on that action. As we continue through the afternoon, this initial wave will continue to work towards the south and east, probably shutting off after about 45 o’clock, but we’re not out of the woods quite just yet, as we’ll see additional scattered storms. More than likely they’re going to be less intense because of the rain that we’re dealing with right now and even some of those storms that will still fire up here over the next several hours. Once we approach about 9, 10 o’clock, we should be good, but so the cold front doesn’t get here until much later. Tonight, so still some lingering showers will be possible as we go through the first half of tonight. Today is *** severe weather alert day. We are eyeing those strong to severe thunderstorms coming in two waves again. Most of the action between about now and 5 o’clock. Still some lingering activity towards 9:10 p.m. We also have that flood watch followed by some big changes in temperature and humidity levels for the back half of the week. Looking at our severe potential, it’s an area-wide threat. We are in the level 3. Out of 5, meaning numerous severe storms are possible again, we already have our first severe thunderstorm warning out there through 1 o’clock this afternoon for areas northwest of Pittsburgh. Damaging winds leading the way. Also that flash flooding concern and that flood watch has been expanded to include most of the area that just is minus our I-80 counties that will continue through 11 o’clock tonight. Tier 40 plus 4 more forecasts against severe weather alert day today. The severe weather. Also flash flooding prompting that alert day today as we start to trim back the showers and storms tonight. Temperatures will cool. We wake in the mid-50s. How about 76 tomorrow? We keep the pleasant feel going into Thursday, feeling *** bit more like September, walking on sunshine Friday, but we will bring back some warmer temperatures just in time for the weekend. Some humidity too will keep storms at bay until likely Sunday evening, and that could even stretch into Monday of next week.
Sandcastle Waterpark Closed: Severe storms in Pittsburgh area close waterpark
Updated: 1:11 PM EDT Jul 21, 2026
Sandcastle Waterpark has closed for the day as severe weather begins to move across Western Pennsylvania. The waterpark closed at 1 p.m. and will reopen on Wednesday at 11 a.m.Visitors who had tickets dated for July 21 will be able to use them on any other 2026 Sandcastle operating day.Severe Weather Alert DayTuesday is a Severe Weather Alert Day for Western Pennsylvania with the threat for strong to severe thunderstorms.Two rounds are expected, with the strongest line of storms approaching around 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The second round, starting around 6 p.m., will be more scattered and not as intense. Our entire region is outlooked in a level three out of five risk for severe thunderstorms. Damaging winds are a high storm risk, followed by a few tornadoes and large hail. Rain will come down hard with a greater threat for flash flooding near and south of I-70.For your full forecast, click here.
WEST HOMESTEAD, Pa. —
Sandcastle Waterpark has closed for the day as severe weather begins to move across Western Pennsylvania.
The waterpark closed at 1 p.m. and will reopen on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Visitors who had tickets dated for July 21 will be able to use them on any other 2026 Sandcastle operating day.
Severe Weather Alert Day
Tuesday is a Severe Weather Alert Day for Western Pennsylvania with the threat for strong to severe thunderstorms.
Two rounds are expected, with the strongest line of storms approaching around 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The second round, starting around 6 p.m., will be more scattered and not as intense.
Our entire region is outlooked in a level three out of five risk for severe thunderstorms. Damaging winds are a high storm risk, followed by a few tornadoes and large hail. Rain will come down hard with a greater threat for flash flooding near and south of I-70.
For your full forecast, click here.