Pittsburgh area swamped with flooding, sending crews to rescue several people from rising waters
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Torrential rains led to major flooding in the Pittsburgh area Thursday night into Friday morning, spurring several water rescues across the area.
Allegheny County Emergency Services says swift water response teams were activated Thursday evening after "life-threatening flooding." About two dozen rescues were made in Oakdale and South Fayette, the county says. So far, there haven't been any reported serious injuries or deaths.
Dozens of road closures were reported Thursday night, and many roads are still closed. Allegheny County officials said residents need to heed road closure barricades throughout the weekend and motorists should not try to drive through water.
Rivers aren't expected to crest at or near flood stage until early Saturday morning, the county says, and as the rivers continue to rise, streams and creeks feeding those rivers will begin to back up, threatening low-lying areas.
Citing the National Weather Service, Allegheny County says Thursday evening's rain totals "were at least a one in 10 to 20 year event."
Crews rescue people as Connoquenessing rises
The Connoquenessing started to rise overnight, leaving boat teams going from place to place as they plucked people from porches and front doors as the water kept coming. Harmony in Butler County saw significant flooding.
A couple in their 80s was taken from their home and while the boat trip wasn't very long, it got the husband and wife out of a growing trouble.
While flooding is common here neighbors and emergency officials said not like this.
"This one came up quicker than the last one," said Deputy Chief Doug Pickett from the Harmony Fire District. "The amount of rainfall and how saturated the ground was it rose quickly overnight and caught a lot of people off guard."
City of Washington declares state of emergency
The City of Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess declared a state of emergency following heavy rains on Friday morning and Thursday night.
"The mayor of the City of Washington has determined that due to the extraordinary rainfall and weather conditions, the residents and general public in the City of Washington are being subject to potential harm to their person and property," the proclamation read.
"Bathtub" and 10th Street Bypass close Downtown
The "Bathtub" section of I-376 westbound is closed due to rising flooding concerns in the area. All traffic approaching the "Bathtub" located between Grant Street and the Fort Pitt Bridge will be detoured.
According to a PennDOT spokesperson, the 10th Street Bypass is also closed to traffic. In addition to that closure, the northbound and southbound I-279 ramps to the 10th Street Bypass are closed as well.
PennDOT is recommending drivers use Fort Duquesne Boulevard to detour around the closure.
Lone Pine Country Club flooded
The lower-lying areas of the golf course along Park Avenue in Green Hills Borough, Washington County were heavily flooded early Friday morning.
Emergency shelter opened in Armstrong County
The Red Cross and the Salvation Army are operating an emergency shelter at the South Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company along Fire Hall Road in Freeport for residents displaced by flooding.
The shelter is open to everyone and all assistance is free.
Borough of Etna issues evacuation notice
The Borough of Etna has issued an evacuation notice on Thursday. The notice is for people living in flood zones or areas prone to flooding.
"Please leave the area and take any pets with you," a post on the borough's Facebook page said.
The post said people can go to Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Grant and Highland avenues if they need shelter.
"If you do not evacuate go to the highest floor of your home as emergency personnel may not be able to reach you to evacuate you. You may have to remain there until the flood waters recede. If you need assistance evacuating please call 911," the Facebook post went on to say.
Etna leaders said about two dozen houses were flooded by Dewey and Martha. For some, it was the second time in a week.
Record rainfall in the Pittsburgh area
Record amounts of rainfall were reported by the National Weather Service for April 11, saying that at least 2.75 inches of rain fell, exceeding the record for that date by more than an inch. The previous record rainfall for the day was 1.46 inches and was recorded in 1933.
For the month, we have seen the fourth wettest April on record.
More rain is expected Friday with the best chance happening this afternoon to evening. New rain totals of around 0.3 inches to 0.5 inches are expected to fall in the area.
Kojak's Auto Body Shop in Canton Township heavily flooded
The body shop located along Henderson Avenue had several feet of water inside of the business on Thursday night.
KDKA's news crew stopped by a few hours later as the owner was cleaning up the mess that was left behind by the rising flood waters.
Oakdale water rescues
Water rescue crews were called out to Oakdale at several businesses near the intersection of Clinton Avenue and First Street.
The town center of the borough was under several feet of water with multiple people needing to be rescued.
"It's a horrifying show of nature," one resident told KDKA-TV. "It really shows what a freak storm can do."
Multiple cars were caught in the flood waters and a convenience store and gas station were heavily flooded.
Washington Boulevard floodgates activated
In Pittsburgh, the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Allegheny River Boulevard closed at around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday due to high water levels. The floodgates have been activated, Pittsburgh Public Safety said.
"Please do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety," its post on social media said.
Saw Mill Run Boulevard rescues
On Route 51, flooded roadways trapped drivers and their vehicles on Thursday.
Police said one person was rescued from the roof of their vehicle. Multiple other parts of Route 51 are closed due to flooding.
People were being asked by police to avoid the area and not drive through flooded roadways.
Schools make adjustments due to flooding and rainfall
Some school districts have switched to remote instruction or announced a two-hour delay for Friday.
KDKA-TV's Ricky Sayer contributed to this story.
