Cleanup underway after severe storms rip through western Pennsylvania, leaving thousands without power

Cleanup efforts are underway throughout Pittsburgh-area communities after severe weather moved through the region Thursday, leaving thousands of people without power. 

As the storms ripped through the area, cars were left submerged in water, debris was scattered across roads, and trees and power lines were strewn about multiple communities. As people deal with damage, several communities, including Oakmont, have issued states of emergency. 

Massive tree shuts down Beaver County road

In Beaver, Beaver County, which was also among the areas hit the hardest, trees and power lines came down, and thousands lost power.

One massive tree is still blocking an entire street. The tree came down across Wilson Avenue during the storm, blocking the roadway.

Hours after it came down, crews still haven't been able to remove it.

"Oh, things were hitting the house and hitting the windows. It didn't sound like a tornado, but the wind was really intense," resident Rachel Maize said. "Crazy wind ... coming from all directions, the rain and the wind. Some people said maybe a microburst because it was so intense."

Until crews remove the tree from the roadway, drivers will have to find another way around this part of Wilson Avenue.

Duquesne Light power outages

As of 4 p.m. on Friday, Duquesne Light was reporting about 13,000 power outages. 

The power company said its crews are working "as quickly and safely as possible to assess damage and restore power."

On Friday morning, Duquesne Light also announced it was bringing in additional crews to help with power restoration. They said approximately 240 "mutual assistance personnel" from New York, Florida, Alabama and Quebec are traveling to the area to help. 

First Energy power outages

As of 4 p.m. Friday, First Energy is reporting more than 40,000 power outages, with Westmoreland County the hardest hit.