Tornado watch issued for Erie, Crawford counties and western Pa. until 4 p.m. Sunday

A tornado watch is in effect for much of western Pennsylvania Sunday until 4 p.m.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, issued the watch effective at 10:30 a.m. for Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Forest, Clarion and 12 other counties stretching south to the West Virginia border. The watch also includes eastern Ohio counties and most of West Virginia.

Earlier: Hazardous weather, wild temperature swings and possible snow in Erie's forecast

The storm prediction center defines the tornado watch area as "approximately along and 60 statute miles east and west of a line from 30 miles northwest of Franklin PA to 40 miles south southeast of Charleston WV."

A tornado watch according to the weather service means weather conditions could lead to the formation of severe storms and tornadoes. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.

"Multiple lines and clusters of thunderstorms will continue to develop and intensify as they move quickly northeastward late this morning and into the afternoon," forecasters wrote. "Scattered damaging winds will likely be the main threat with this activity, with peak gusts perhaps reaching up to 60-70 mph. But the environment will also support some threat for a few line-embedded tornadoes as well."

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Erie weather forecast details

Erie County remains under a high wind warning until 2 p.m. Sunday as well. South winds of 25 to 35 mph will gust at times to 60 mph. Winds could cause damage including downed trees and power lines, and the weather service said it expected widespread power outages. Travel could be difficult at times.

The temperature in Erie is expected to fall to around 45 degrees by 5 p.m. Sunday, according to the weather service in Cleveland. Chance of rain is 80%, with rainfall measuring as much as a quarter-inch, with greater amounts possible in thunderstorms.

The temperature will continue to fall Sunday night, bottoming out near 28. Rain and snow showers are possible.

Monday's high is expected to be around 37.

Pennsylvania tornado history since 1950

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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Tornado watch issued in PA for Erie, Crawford, Mercer, other counties