High winds knock out power, topple trees

All of Southwestern Pa. was affected by strong wind gusts Friday night.

Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down in the Mon Valley and across the greater Pittsburgh region Friday evening because of high wind gusts.

About 43,600 West Penn Power customers and nearly 91,900 Duquesne Light customers were without power as of 7:15 p.m., according to the companies’ online outage trackers.

Downed trees and power lines were reported throughout Westmoreland County, according to a 911 dispatcher and our news partners at The Tribune Review. Similar conditions were reported in Allegheny County.

Trees were brought down throughout Forward and Elizabeth townships, and widespread power outages have been reported.

The traffic light at the entrance of Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital in Carroll Township was also out. A pole was broken in half as well near Lincoln Borough police station.

Rostraver Fire Department was on the scene of downed utility wires in the 800 block of Webster Hollow Road, according to a Facebook post from the department. The road was closed between Route 51 and Fellsburg Road until the power company arrived.

A large amount of wind damage was reported in Carroll Township as well. High-tension wires down near the Residence at Hilltop were causing field fires with multiple departments responding. A tree also reportedly fell on a house on Wickerham Drive in the township.

The downed wires were believed to be affecting power to the care home. There were also reports of smoke inside the Giant Eagle in that area, so another alarm was issued for that.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning that was in effect until midnight. Winds of 20 to 30 mph were expected with gusts up to 65 mph.

A maximum wind gust of 59 mph was reported at Pittsburgh International Airport and at the County Airport in West Mifflin between 5 and 6 p.m. Gusts reached 60 mph at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Winds were predicted to reach between 30 and 35 mph overnight and 20 to 25 mph today, according to TribLive. Gusts could pick back up between 30 and 35 mph on Sunday afternoon.

“The winds are going to start to ease gradually this weekend and into the overnight hours,” Liana Lupo, NWS meteorologist, told TribLive.

The higher-than-usual winds are being caused by a low pressure system moving into the area from across the Great Lakes, Lupa added.

Allegheny County Emergency Services advised people to secure loose outdoor items, use caution while driving and be alert for downed trees or power lines.

PennDOT advised drivers to use caution while traveling as strong winds may bring down trees, branches and other debris onto roadways.

High winds can cause tree limbs, utility lines and unsecured objects to fall or blow into travel lanes, creating hazardous driving conditions. Drivers were asked to remain alert for debris, changing roadway conditions and potential lane restrictions and closed roads while crews work to clear impacted areas.

PennDOT maintenance crews were monitoring roadways and responded to remove downed trees or debris as conditions allow.