Roads flooding as heavy downpour continues
Roads were severely flooded Wednesday night as a lingering storm hammered central Fayette County, causing at least one serious car accident. A second storm trailed just behind the first, officials said.
One person was flown to a hospital by medical helicopter after hydroplaning and careening into a pole in Masontown on McClellandtown Road (Route 21) near Pizza Hut at about 5:45 p.m., according to a Fayette County 911 supervisor.
A van was fully submerged in water on Chalk Hill Ohiopyle Road at about 5:15 p.m. in Wharton Township. Police and rescue crews responded and closed the road, according to Fayette County 911. No injuries were reported.
Several businesses were flooded in downtown Uniontown. In South Union Township, Coal Lick Run overflowed at the intersection of South Mount Vernon and Lebanon avenues. Firefighters responded to the scene.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for central Fayette County until 9 p.m. About one inch of rain had fallen at 5:45 p.m. Another inch had fallen by 7 p.m., and another half inch was on its way, according to meteorologist Shannon Hefferan. The rain was expected to subside late at night or in the early morning hours, she said.
Flooding was caused as the weather system lingered over the area, with one rainy system following right behind another, she said.
“It’s not an ideal situation,” she said, adding that for the summer, the rain was slightly above average.
With those types of weather systems, rain can hit an isolated area, leaving nearby towns completely dry, she said.
Flooded basements were also reported throughout central Fayette County.
Uniontown, Farmington, Masontown, Fairchance, Isabella, New Salem, Ohiopyle, Republic, Chalk Hill and Fairchance were expected to experience flash floods, according to the National Weather Service warning. Residents are advised to move to higher ground if water begins to rise.
A flood watch was issued for Washington, Greene and Westmoreland counties until 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches was forecast for the area. Flash floods may occur in urban areas, roads and near small streams. Landslides could also occur.