It's pretty rare for thunderstorms to last for hours and hours. Most thunderstorms will be over in about an hour or so in the Harrisburg area... when I lived in Erie, they were often much shorter since the terrain is so much flatter. Around Madison, they might only last a half hour.

Most of the lightning is on the edges of the storm.

They also tend to happen at pretty predictable times. It's fairly odd to have strong storms early in the day. Think about 3pm til maybe 6pm as the high storm odds window. So you don't do much besides keep half an eye on the radar (there should be observation instruments somewhere in Erie, since it's still a major port, but I can't remember where they are). If the radar is looking nasty, head home a touch early, or plan on being home late.

If you have a long commute, it will take more planning. But even there... you'll know which way you're tilting things if a storm comes.