A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Butler County until 5:30 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, the area placed under the warning could see destructive winds up to 80 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service urges residents to take shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows. NWS says flying debris could be deadly to those caught without shelter.

Earlier in the day, meterologist Jason Frazier from NWS Pittsburgh said Butler County is on Category 3 out of 5 on the Storm Prediction Center’s severe risk categories. Category 1 refers to isolated thunderstorms, and Category 5 refers to widespread severe thunderstorms with potential heavy damage.

Large hail and an isolated tornado are possibilities but less likely than the severe thunderstorms and strong winds, Frazier said.

He said the likelihood of storms would drop when the daytime heat fades away after 7 p.m.