Cleanup begins from flooding, storm damage
High water shut down several roads Thursday night, prompting rescue teams to be dispatched.
Communities across the Mon Valley and southwestern Pennsylvania were cleaning up Friday after severe storms and torrential rain swept through the region Thursday night, flooding roads, stranding motorists, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers and prompting water rescues.
In White Oak, water rose rapidly along Jack’s Run Road Thursday night, surrounding vehicles and leaving some motorists stalled as heavy rain pounded the area.
Resident Lori Skovranko described watching the water rise from just a few inches to about 3 feet within minutes outside her home.
Skovranko said water had earlier reached the headlights of vehicles traveling the road, causing some to stall before fire crews arrived.
“This kind of rain hasn’t happened since we moved into this house in 2008,” Skovranko wrote in a social media post Thursday night.
She recalled a similar flooding event after moving to the area, when she said vehicles were carried along Jack’s Run.
Skovranko urged people to stay off the roads as conditions deteriorated.
Flooding was also reported along Route 51 as the storms moved through Allegheny County.
Video from Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 showed vehicles encountering floodwaters along Route 51, also known as Saw Mill Run Boulevard, in Pittsburgh’s Brookline and Carrick areas.
Vehicles were also seen attempting to travel through rushing water along Route 51 in Whitehall.
The widespread flooding was accompanied by strong winds that brought down trees and utility lines, contributing to power outages and road closures across the region.
Water rescues in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County was among the areas hit hard by flooding, with emergency crews responding to stranded motorists and high water in Hempfield Township.
The Rostraver Township Fire Department said its swift water rescue team, SWRT48, was dispatched as part of a large water-rescue response in central Westmoreland County.
Rostraver personnel assisted Hempfield Fire Department companies with rescuing multiple stranded people at several locations throughout Hempfield Township.
Photos shared by the department showed vehicles sitting in deep floodwater as emergency personnel worked through heavy rain.
Thousands still without power
Thousands of customers across the Mon Valley and surrounding counties remained without power Friday as utility crews continued working to repair damage left by Thursday’s severe storms.
West Penn Power reported 22,149 customers without service in Westmoreland County, 1,197 in Washington County, 101 in Fayette County and 1,286 in its Allegheny County service territory.
Combined, 40,958 West Penn Power customers were without service across the four counties.
Allegheny County was also experiencing widespread outages in Duquesne Light’s service area, pushing the countywide number of customers without power higher.
Utility crews continued assessing damage and repairing downed lines and other storm-related problems Friday.
Storm damage closes roads
The aftermath continued to affect travel Friday, with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reporting numerous state road closures in Washington and Westmoreland counties because of flooding, fallen trees and downed utility lines.
In Washington County, Route 481 was closed between California Drive and Deer Run Lane because of a downed utility.
Route 2023, Grange Road, was closed at Route 481 for the same reason, while Route 4041, Hornhead Street, was closed at Woodland Road because of a downed utility.
Westmoreland County was also dealing with several closures.
Route 30 eastbound was closed at Route 217 because of a downed utility, while portions of routes 271, 711 and 819 were affected by downed trees and utility lines.
Route 1044, Mt. Carmel Road, was closed between State Park Road and Strawcutter Road because of a downed tree and utility.
Route 2014, Skidmore Road, was closed between Reamer Avenue and Brinkerton Road because of flooding.
PennDOT said affected roads will reopen as conditions are addressed and determined to be safe.
Storms disrupt Renzie Rib Fest
The effects of Thursday night’s storms also carried into Friday’s community events.
In McKeesport, Friday’s Renzie Rib Fest activities were postponed because of conditions left behind by the storms.
Organizers said they hope to resume the festival today, with food sales beginning at noon, a craft show at 2 p.m., Jeff Jimerson & Airborne performing at 3 p.m. and Suns of Beaches at 7 p.m.
Friday night’s postponed activities were rescheduled for Tuesday with food sales beginning at 5 p.m. and Beatlemania Magic performing at 7 p.m.
Football games affected
Thomas Jefferson’s nonconference game at Mt. Lebanon was canceled Friday afternoon because power had yet to be restored at Mt. Lebanon’s stadium, the school district announced.
The Yough at Mt. Pleasant game was moved to Yough because Mt. Pleasant was still without power on campus Friday afternoon.
More storms possible
The region may not have much time to dry out.
A flood watch remains in effect through 8 a.m. this morning for Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Storms were expected to become more isolated by Friday evening, with quieter and less humid conditions anticipated for the Labor Day weekend. Today could bring some lingering early showers before skies begin to clear, with a high near 78.
Residents are being urged to monitor forecasts and be prepared for additional watches and warnings as storms develop.
