Western Pa. storms impact power, roads in Allegheny, Westmoreland counties

Fire crews and power companies from around Western Pennsylvania were busy Thursday morning racing to address downed power lines and fallen trees blocking roadways, following Wednesday’s strong thunderstorms that rolled through the region.

Wednesday’s storms produced at least an inch of rain throughout the Pittsburgh region, said Bill Modzelewski, meteorologist for the National Weather Service Pittsburgh office in Moon.

A few areas, particularly in the northeastern portion of Allegheny County, saw up to 2 to 2.5 inches of rain, he said — namely Allison Park, Brackenridge and Natrona Heights.

“They got multiple rounds of storms during the day and during the evening yesterday,” Modzelewski said.

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Flash flooding also occurred in the northeastern, central and eastern portions of Allegheny County, temporarily blocking several roadways, Modzelewski said. Flooding resolved shortly after the rain stopped, he said.

The NWS had issued flash flood warnings for Westmoreland County through 10:15 p.m. Wednesday and Allegheny and Butler counties through 10:45 p.m.

There were 435 Allegheny County residents and 128 Westmoreland County residents without power as of 7 a.m., according to West Penn Power. Duquesne Light reported 106 people without power in Allegheny County.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected for Thursday afternoon, according to Modzelewski. Areas south of Pittsburgh are more likely to be impacted, he said.

Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 87 degrees Thursday before dropping to the mid-60s in the evening — a “weak cold front,” Modzelewski said.

A slight reduction in heat and humidity is anticipated for Friday as a result, he said.