Power outages across Pittsburgh area surpass 250,000 as high winds batter region

High winds are battering the Pittsburgh area, leaving more than 250,000 homes without power on Friday evening. 

A high wind warning is in place for much of the Pittsburgh region until midnight, with the southernmost counties under a wind advisory. Wind gusts of 59 mph were recorded Friday at Allegheny County Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport, according to a post on X from National Weather Service Pittsburgh. 

Duquesne Light power outages

Duquesne Light, which covers parts of Allegheny and Beaver counties, was reporting more than 168,000 homes without power as of 9 p.m. on Friday. 

An alert on Duquesne Light's website reads, "Due to the high winds that are impacting our area, we have extra crews to ensure we can safely respond to outages as quickly as possible. Because of potentially hazardous conditions, some response times may be delayed during the event." 

First Energy power outages

First Energy was reporting more than 111,000 power outages in the Pittsburgh area as of 9 p.m. on Friday. The counties hardest hit include Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland.

High winds cause damage across Pittsburgh

Reports of damage are coming in from across the area. Several roads are closed because of downed trees and power lines. In Pittsburgh's Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood, a tree fell on a home on Ingham Street. 

In a Facebook post on Friday, Allegheny County Emergency Services advised people to avoid driving unless it is necessary, adding that staying off the roads benefits emergency crews and power companies. Officials also say to avoid downed trees and power lines.