Strong winds knock down trees, down power lines in southwestern Pennsylvania
Courtesy of Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University Bonner Scholars participate in a service project at World Vision Pittsburgh in Sewickley. (Photo courtesy of Waynesburg University)
Tens of thousands of residents in Western Pennsylvania lost power after strong winds pummeled the region Sunday night and Monday morning.
The gusty winds – which topped 55 mph in Uniontown, according to National Weather Service Pittsburgh – downed trees and toppled power lines throughout the area.
As of 10 a.m. Monday, Duquesne Light Co.’s outage page indicated more than 41,420 customers were without power, while First Energy was working to restore power to an estimated 13,700 customers.
Residents in Washington, Fayette, and Greene counties were impacted by the winds, which came in ahead of a cold front that is expected to see temperatures drop heading into the new year.
Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department advised residents to avoid Ridge Road in Somerset, which was temporarily closed.
NWS Pittsburgh advised people to be careful of downed trees and power lines, especially those driving at night.
First Energy recommended residents to avoid downed power lines and to call 911 to report any downed line.
On its website, the company advised people not to stand under or near damaged trees or damaged utility equipment; not to drive over or under damaged lines; and to always obey road closure signs and barricades.
According to NWS, an unseasonably warm and moist air mass set the state for the gusty showers. Wheeling and Morgantown, W.Va., broke high temperature records on Sunday, in advance of the cold front.
In South Strabane Township, crews spent the morning clearing downed trees that temporarily closed roads overnight.
“We were lucky as far as power outages, but we did have a few large trees down that affected (state Route) 136 and Beagle Club Road, but everything’s been pretty much reopened,” said South Strabane Township Fire Department Chief Jordan Cramer.
The highest wind gust reported in Western Pennsylvania was 61 mph in Pittsburgh, the NWS Pittsburgh reported.
So, what’s ahead, weatherwise as 2025 approaches?
Temperatures will climb to 51 degrees in Washington County on New Year’s Eve, but snow showers are expected on New Year’s Day, with temperatures below 32 degrees – and dipping into the low 20s – forecast over the weekend.