High Winds Causing Damage, Power Outages Around Western Pa.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Despite today's sunny and bright conditions, the winds have been steady and strong for much of the day, causing damage and power outages across the region.
The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory through 7 p.m. Wednesday Winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with gusts possibly reaching 55 mph.
Early Wednesday afternoon, there were several reports of damage from around the area.
In Highland Park, a massive tree fell near a home on Wellsley Avenue around 2 p.m.
#BREAKING: Large tree down on two houses on Wellesley Ave in Highland Park. Significant damage to both homes. #KDKA pic.twitter.com/3alCpoAQ3v
— Ian Smith (@ismithKDKA) March 8, 2017
"I heard a big roar and I started down my second-floor steps," said Reggie Young, the homeowner. "Our window broke out on the landing, and when I came down and looked out the door, our big tree was down."
As it came down, the tree took out the gutters and bricks on the side of Young's house and crushed the roof next door and damaged the entire side of that home.
It landed right where Jan Young would have parked her car had she arrived home from the grocery store just a few minutes earlier.
"Just glad no one was hurt," said Reggie.
Also in Highland Park, over on Stanton Avenue, another tree fell because of the high winds.
A KDKA viewer sent in a photo of it lying across the road.
About the same time on the Red Line of the T in Castle Shannon, a tree came crashing down. It took out some power for the T and covering the tracks.
The Port Authority immediately sent shuttles to the area, but delays mounted to a half hour before crews were able to clear the tree and restore the service just as the afternoon rush hour began.
(1/2) Due to a fallen tree at the Arlington Station, bus shuttles will run between Mt. Lebanon Station and Castle Shannon Station.
— Port Authority PGH (@PGHtransit) March 8, 2017
Elsewhere, on Bigelow Boulevard, just below Flag Plaza near Frank Curto Park, another tree succumbed to the power of the wind, landing on a power line that dipped so low police kept buses and trucks from passing under the low clearance.
Only a single lane of traffic was getting by on what is a heavily-traveled route in the afternoon rush hour.
Numerous power outages are also being reported across the region.
As of 10:30 p.m., Penn Power was reporting about 1,500 outages scattered across the region.
As of 10:30 p.m., Duquesne Light officials said power had been restored to more than 4,700 customers, leaving about 1,700 customers still in the dark. They hope to have power restored to everyone by 2 p.m. Thursday.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
