Arts Fest Children and Youth sidewalk sale closes early after threat of severe storms

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts ended its Children and Youth sidewalk sale early on Wednesday after storms were forecast and a tornado watch was issued for Centre County.

The festival’s Facebook page posted that the sidewalk sale would begin closing at 2 p.m. — two hours early — due to predicted severe weather Wednesday afternoon.

The tornado watch, which also included parts of New York and Vermont, was issued at about noon and was originally in place until 9 p.m. Wednesday, according to NWS. By 6 p.m., the tornado watch was no longer in effect.

Centre County was also under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Wednesday with heat index values around 100 degrees forecast.

Heavy thunderstorms during Wednesday afternoon and evening were expected as a result of the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, according to Accuweather.

What is a tornado watch?

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in or near the area. A watch generally covers a large area, likely multiple counties or even states, the weather service said. This is the time to be prepared and “review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room,” the NWS said.

A tornado warning indicates a tornado has been seen or indicated by radar and there is imminent danger to life or property, the NWS said. Residents should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Those in a mobile home, vehicle or who are outdoors should find shelter and protect themselves from flying debris, the NWS said.

Weather outlook for Arts Fest

Temperatures are expected to drop slightly as festival week continues in Centre County. Thursday, the first official day of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and the People’s Choice Festival, is expected to be partially cloudy with a high of 78 degrees, and Friday will be cloudy again with a high of 83 degrees, Accuweather forecasts.

“I think we’re going to notice a big difference between what (Tuesday and Wednesday) feel like and what Thursday and Friday feel like,” Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather in State College, told the CDT on Tuesday. “Those days should be much more tolerable.”

The sun is expected to return in full force for the weekend with a high of 89 degrees for Saturday and 91 degrees for Sunday.