Flash Flooding Hits Pittsburgh Area As Storms Roll Through
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Flash flooding hit the Pittsburgh area as storms rolled through Wednesday.
Parts of Route 51 that were closed after flash flooding reopened early Thursday morning. Route 51 at Whited Street had been closed in both directions late into Wednesday night, along with the outbound side of Route 51 at Edgebrook Avenue, as PennDOT crews worked to get the remaining debris off the road.
Flooding was also affecting public transportation. Port Authority said the Blue Line Library for light rail service was closed Wednesday night due to flooding and downed trees. Port Authority reported repairs were completed shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday morning.
All rail service has been restored following last night's weather-related flooding and downed trees. pic.twitter.com/nun1DNZsX9
— Port Authority PGH (@PGHtransit) June 15, 2017
Route 51 looked like a small river Wednesday evening near Bon Air after rains came down hard, overflowing Saw Mill Run Creek.
"Impressive actually, impressive if you ask me. It's a force of nature at work here," one driver said.
Christine D'Antonio's Report:
A nearby veterinary clinic shut down early because they lost power. Employees stood by watching the water rush down the street.
"It's kinda scary. I hope everyone is safe and no one got caught in their cars or anything," April Gardner with Edgebrook Veterinary Clinic said.
A dumpster got caught in the flood waters, so did some tires and two cars from Fellini auto sales.
"Maybe like five cars in the back. We don't know what's good here. Try to start whatever works," Daniel Weithers with Fellini Auto Sales said. "We tried moving cars as soon as possible and couldn't do it in time."
Fortunately, the business has insurance. Two swift water rescue teams are searching for those cars in the creek.
A little further down on Route 51 near Bausman Street, water just stood still.
And on Route 51 and 88, a pool of water stopped traffic and created problems for some time. Not too far from there, Caste Village in Whitehall got hit pretty hard, including Fitness 19.
"A good bit of members. We shuffled at least 50 people out of here," Gino Scegedy of Fitness 19 said.
When we were there, puddles of water were all over the floor and in the basement. But, the employees at the gym are confident it will be back open for business on Thursday.
No one was injured due to this flooding.
Public safety officials say they did have to help two juveniles from nearby business Fire and Ice All-Stars on 51. One person was rescued from the roof of a car on nearby Provost Road.
A total of 180 customers were without power along 51, and Duquesne Light hopes to get power back by 7 a.m. Thursday.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter