4 tornadoes confirmed in Pittsburgh area
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pittsburgh area has seen four confirmed tornadoes so far on Friday.
The National Weather Service said it has confirmed four tornado touchdowns: near Harrison City in Westmoreland County, in the area of Lincoln-Mount Vernon-Elrama in Allegheny County, on Washington Boulevard near the Highland Park Bridge near Aspinwall and a "brief, weak tornado was photographed just north of the Allegheny County Airport," according to the National Weather Service.
It has been a very active weather month for Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania has seen six tornadoes so far this year. In NWS Pittsburgh's coverage area, which includes parts of Ohio and West Virginia, there have been nine in May.
May 2024 has had more tornadoes in the Pittsburgh area than any other May on record, including May 1985, which had a super outbreak on May 31 of that year, according to First Alert Meteorologist Ray Petelin.
🌪️👀A 4th Tornado was added to today's tally. This May has had more tornadoes in our area than any other May on record. That includes May of 1985 that had that super outbreak on the 31st. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/WOV6xcOQbV
— Ray Petelin (@RayPetelinWx) May 18, 2024
Video online shows what looks like a tornado or funnel cloud near Hyland Road near Harrison City. On Saturday morning, the National Weather Service confirmed EF-0 tornado damage in Harrison City. Wind speeds hit a maximum of 70 mph.
Tornado near Harrison City pic.twitter.com/MYSNTYP3NL
— Pat Regan (@patregan55) May 17, 2024
More video from East Liberty looking towards the Highland Park Bridge also appeared to capture a tornado or funnel cloud around 4:45 p.m. The NWS confirmed this as an EF1 tornado Friday evening, saying a damage survey team confirmed max wind speeds estimated at 105 mph.
"Damage was noted at the Pittsburgh Zoo, and a number of trees and power poles were snapped along Washington Boulevard, and near the Highland Park Bridge. The tornado lifted shortly after crossing the Allegheny River," an NWS Pittsburgh official said Friday.
Friday is a First Alert Weather Day because of the potential for severe weather.
Pittsburgh-area cleaning up after tornadoes
The National Weather Service is conducting storm surveys for the tornadoes, beginning with one Friday evening in Aspinwall. Surveys will be conducted in the Mount Vernon-Elrama area as well as Harrison City.
KDKA-TV's Chris DeRose was out on Washington Boulevard near Allegheny River Boulevard where crews were trying to push back downed trees. One official at the scene said it was something they didn't need to happen, especially during rush hour.
KDKA-TV's Jessica Guay reports
Nearby, a funnel cloud was seen at the Pittsburgh Zoo. The zoo said all the animals, guests and employees are safe, but there is damage to the zoo's grounds. An assessment is underway, and more information will be provided later.
In Elrama, one viewer told KDKA-TV that the storm went right through her backyard, taking out her pool.
WATCH: KDKA-TV's Ricky Sayer reports
Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration is in touch with local officials to offer help after the tornadoes. "We stand ready to help where needed," he said in a social media post.
Why has Pittsburgh seen so many tornadoes this year?
And why are they happening so early? NWS Pittsburgh meteorologist Fred McMullen said the lack of cold air this winter plays a big part.
"When you don't have those cold winters and you go into a warm season pretty quickly in spring, you get that moisture up here, you get the wind shear with the system," McMullen told KDKA-TV earlier this week.
Tornado season usually peaks around June in western Pennsylvania, and there could be more on the way.