Tornado warnings issued in Pennsylvania with 'destructive' winds possible

One tornado has been confirmed in the state, but no damage or human injury has been reported

A tornado pictured above Spain in September, 2018 (REUTERS)

A tornado warning has been put into place across much of Pennsylvania, where at least one “destructive” twister has already struck a nursing home.

The confirmed tornado is a part of an outbreak of severe weather in the state which was observed on Tuesday afternoon, as well as in parts of Ohio, New York, and New Jersey.

The National Weather Service said that a tornado warning will remain in effect for almost the entire state of Pennsylvania until Tuesday evening at around 11pm EDT. A tornado warning does not necessarily mean that more tornadoes will be seen in the area, but is indicative of hospitable conditions for one to form.

Major cities in the state that are currently under the warning include Pittsburgh, State College, Allentown, and Scranton.

The main area identified for tornado conditions stops short of Philadelphia, in the far east of the state.

The tornado that hit the nursing home struck near Conneautville, Pennsylvania, a town roughly 20 miles southwest of Erie, according to the Storm Prediction Centre.

No damage and no injuries were reported as a result of that tornado.

In addition to the potential tornadoes, local weather has predicted that showers and gusty thunderstorms could be seen Tuesday evening, with lingering clouds and mild, patchy fogs possible to observe as well.

The weather patterns are being fuelled by unseasonably warm and humid conditions for early October, with highs around 26C (80F).

The tornadoes are a cause for concern, but weather officials have warned that heavy rains from thunderstorms could pose a bigger danger to the area. Some hail could be experienced, alongside frequent lightening, in parts of the state.