Storms cause more power outages

By Jeff Stitt

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Many Mid-Mon Valley residents saw power outages Thursday and Friday as a result of heavy storms that ripped through Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The National Weather Service branch in Pittsburgh issued multiple warnings of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and even a tornado for various parts of the region Friday afternoon and evening.

The area was also battered with storms that came with rain and heavy winds Thursday night, causing downed trees and power lines.

NWS is forecasting thunderstorms before noon today, with another storm possible after 5 p.m.

West Penn Power was reporting on its website late Friday that there were fewer than 1,500 customers without power in three sections of Monessen. 

In Monongahela’s Wickerham Manor, two to 40 customers were impacted by outages; in Charleroi near Maple Creek and Lincoln Avenue Extension, there were fewer than 20 customers without power; and in the area of Wesley Street in Fallowfied Township, around 20 customers were reporting power outages. West Penn Power was also reporting outages in Fayette City, Lynnwood-Pricedale and Rostraver Township.

The power company’s website indicated Friday night that between 21 and 100 customers in the area of Wilson, McKinley and Dawson roads in North Charleroi were impacted by outages caused by “tree damage.” Outages were also reported in Elco and Coal Center as a result of inclimate weather.

West Penn Power estimated that service is expected to be restored for the majority of Mon Valley customers between 10 and 11:30 p.m. today.

Duquesne Light reported that one customer in Port Vue and one customer in McKeesport were without power, but did not offer information about when service would be restored.

Water shortages

Allegheny County reported water shortages shortly after 9 p.m. Friday in McKeesport, White Oak and Versailles. Customers complained of low water pressure and no water in all three areas.  

Flooding was reported Friday on Route 51 in Pleasant Hills near the Bowser car dealership.