High Winds Blamed For Bringing Down Power Lines, Transformers
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Authorities are blaming bursts of fierce winds for bringing down power lines and causing at least three transformers to explode in the area on Monday evening.
Parts of Pittsburgh's Oakland section near Forbes Avenue and Halket Street were in the dark after a transformer blew there near Magee-Womens Hospital. Crews were able to restore power to the area between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Utility crews also repaired a transformer on Iroquois Way.
Until then, police had been stationed at several intersections there as traffic signals weren't working. Several businesses and apartments were left without electricity until crews finished repairs.
Meanwhile, firefighters say heavy winds knocked down power lines and a transformer in West Mifflin.
Around 6:30 p.m., a strong gust ripped down wires at the intersection of Lebanon Church Road and Rodeo Drive. The lines landed on two cars.
"We just had to get the power shut off before we could get them out of their vehicle, just for their safety and our safety as well," said Lt. Neil Wagner, of the West Mifflin Fire Department. "When the call came in, there was some pretty good rain, decent winds. We get a lot of good cross winds coming off the airport. Usually, when it does storm, we get a lot of wires down, poles down."
No one was hurt.
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