Fast-moving storm leaves path of damage

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

A short burst of strong winds and heavy rain passed through the Mon Valley around 6 p.m. Friday, causing road flooding in several areas, including Monessen.

“It was a squalling situation that went through. A gust front caused wind damage followed by heavy precipitation,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Jenna Lake, who is based in Pittsburgh. 

One vehicle was stuck in flood waters at the intersection of Donner Avenue and Parente Boulevard in Monessen around 6:15 p.m. Everyone in the van was able to get out of the vehicle safely, but it stalled out due to the water and had to be pushed from the area by police and firefighters.

The water had poured into the intersection with such force that the metal cover was lifted off a manhole in the grass infield at that intersection.

The street flooding receded by 6:45 p.m. in that area, but further up Parente the intersection with Grand Boulevard was turned into a small lake until approximately 7:30 p.m. when members of Monessen Hilltop VFD were able to clear the multiple storm drains at that intersection.

“We got the call as a couple of cars stuck in flood water. When we got here, they weren’t in the water, they were on the other side of it,” said firefighter Melvin Reed Jr., who was directing traffic at the intersection.

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