Storms close roadways, knock out power
Flooding was reported in several Mon Valley communities as severe weather moved through the area Thursday night.
A line of thunderstorms that moved through the Mon Valley on Thursday caused flooding and other damage in several communities, with many residents unable to travel due to high water on roadways and local streets.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the area until 10 p.m. Thursday and a flash flood warning that was extended until 12:15 this morning.
Heavy rainfall, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, and 60 mph wind gusts caused flooding across southern Allegheny, southern Westmoreland and northern Fayette counties.
Power outages and storm damages prompted McKeesport Area School District to designate today as an asynchronous learning day. In a letter posted to the district’s Facebook page, Superintendent Donald MacFann stated that transportation to the district’s school buildings would not be available.
“The purpose of this asynchronous day is to offer families additional flexibility while ensuring students continue engaging in meaningful, standards-aligned learning,” Mac-Fann wrote. “We appreciate your support in helping students complete their assigned tasks.”
Serra Catholic High School announced on its website that Friday will be a flexible instruction day.
Flash flooding on the Duquesne side of the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge resulted in a hazardous condition warning Thursday night.
Jacks Run Road in White Oak was hit by severe flooding, and the Swift Water Rescue team was called to extract several drivers who were trapped in their vehicles.
Concertgoers at the Pavilion at Star Lake were instructed to shelter in place at the venue as severe storms moved through the area. The Rüfüs Du Sol concert scheduled at the outdoor amphitheater in Burgettstown was delayed due to the severe weather, according to a statement released by the venue on its Instagram page at approximately 8:45 p.m.
“Due to lightning in the vicinity of the venue, we are now asking fans to seek shelter,” the statement read. “For those seated under the pavilion, please shelter in place. If you are on the lawn, please follow staff instructions to shelter in place in your area. If outside of the gates, return to your vehicles and remain in the parking lot until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these conditions.”
At approximately 9:23 p.m., the venue issued an update on their Instagram page stating that the scheduled concert would continue.
Pennsylvania Avenue in West Mifflin was closed due to flooding. At approximately 7:36 p.m., West Mifflin Volunteer Fire Company made a post on Facebook notifying others of the closure, which extends from Conlin Street to Vermont Avenue.
Multiple roadways were closed in the Jefferson Hills due to downed power lines and telephone poles. The borough provided a Facebook update at approximately 8 p.m. stating that Coal Valley Road number one was closed in both directions at the intersection with Walters Lane, and North Lewis Run Road was shut down from State Route 51 to the entrance of the Annhurst Apartments. Residents of the borough were advised to not drive around the barricades sectioning off the fallen power lines and telephone poles.
Prior to the arrival of the storms, Donora issued a statement on Facebook at approximately 4 p.m. announcing that city council had opened the downstairs portion of its chambers at 603 Meldon Ave. as a cooling center from the heat wave and shelter from the expected severe weather.
“Come cool off, grab some relief from the heat, and take care of yourself and your neighbors,” the post read.
WPIAL high school football games, including North Hills vs. Seneca Valley vs. Bethel Park versus Moon Area, were called off.
As of press time, West Penn Power was reporting 63,285 customers without electricity, with 48,966 in Westmoreland County, 8,946 in Washington County, 4,051 in Allegheny County, 1,249 in Fayette County and 73 in Greene County.
Allegheny Power had 97,000 outages Thursday night, and Duquesne Light reported more than 59,000.
