Tornado warnings expire for Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry counties
The National Weather Service tornado warnings for Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties in central Pennsylvania have expired as of Sunday evening, July 5, 2026. Radar-indicated rotating thunderstorms triggered the alerts across the Susquehanna Valley. While the immediate tornado threat has lifted, ABC27 reports a tornado watch remains in effect for much of the Midstate.
Key Takeaways
- Tornado warnings for Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties have ended.
- WGAL reported a central Perry County warning until 6:45 p.m. EDT with rotation near Loysville.
- FOX43 and ABC27 also tracked NWS tornado warnings across parts of all three counties.
- Forecasters warned of flying debris, structural damage, and dangerous tree impacts.
- A broader tornado watch remains active across much of central Pennsylvania.
What triggered the tornado warnings?
Severe thunderstorms sweeping central Pennsylvania on Sunday evening prompted the National Weather Service to issue tornado warnings for portions of Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties. Local forecasters flagged radar-indicated rotation capable of producing a tornado within the line of storms moving through the region.
According to WGAL, the NWS issued a tornado warning for central Perry County until 6:45 p.m. At 6:20 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Loysville, moving northeast at 20 mph.
FOX43 reported that the NWS issued tornado warnings for parts of Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties. ABC27 confirmed that the broader tornado warning covering all three counties has since expired.
Which communities were in the warning zone?
WGAL identified several Perry County communities in the path of the tornadic thunderstorm. The NWS warned the dangerous storm would be near New Bloomfield around 6:30 p.m. EDT. Other locations impacted included Landisburg.
FOX43 noted the tornado warning covered parts of Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties, though specific municipal boundaries shifted as individual storm cells tracked east and northeast across the Midstate.
The NWS cautioned that flying debris would be dangerous to anyone caught without shelter. Forecasters said mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed, and damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees was likely in warned areas.
Has the tornado threat completely passed?
The immediate tornado warnings for the three counties have ended, according to ABC27. That means the highest-level alert — indicating radar-indicated or confirmed rotation with imminent danger — is no longer active for those areas.
However, ABC27 noted that a tornado watch remains in effect for much of the Midstate. A watch signals that conditions remain favorable for tornado development, even after individual warnings expire. Residents should continue monitoring local forecasts and alert systems through the evening.
Severe thunderstorms can produce new rotation quickly. Staying informed through official channels is essential when a watch is still posted.
What should residents do now?
During the warnings, WGAL relayed NWS instructions to take cover immediately — moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoiding windows. Anyone outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle was urged to reach the closest substantial shelter and protect against flying debris.
With warnings expired, the focus shifts to situational awareness. Check on neighbors, avoid downed power lines, and watch for flooding on roadways. Emergency readiness is a core part of personal resilience — a topic we cover regularly in our Longevity & Biohacking section.
Central Pennsylvania saw multiple rounds of severe weather Sunday. Even after tornado warnings lift, damaging winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding can still pose serious risks well into the night.