Strong winds, large hail and an isolated tornado are all possibilities for Tuesday afternoon and evening in Butler County, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.

The Butler area is at an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms between 3 and 7 p.m. with a high probability of thunderstorms capable of 58 mph wind gusts, which could lead to downed trees and power lines, according to meteorologist Jason Frazier.

He said Butler County is on Category 3 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.

Thunderstorms thrive in a combination of warm, moist air in the atmosphere pushed around by varying wind speeds and directions, Frazier said.