Thunderstorms bring down trees, knock out power and raise flooding concerns
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Severe thunderstorms rolled through the Pittsburgh area Wednesday evening, leaving a trail of damage in their wake.
The storms brought down trees and knocked out power for thousands of residents. Minor injuries were reported in Fawn Township on Route 908 after a tree came down on a car.
Another tree came down on a home near Spring Garden Avenue and Wesler Way.
Wires fell and caught a building on Penn Avenue in the Strip District on fire. No one was injured.
One of the hardest-hit areas Wednesday was Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County. The storm came fast and hard, taking down trees and power lines.
"It's pretty extensive," resident Joe McDade said. "A lot of debris in the road, things impeding traffic."
A massive oak tree fell on Leechburg Road, barely missing Dan Collins' home. He did not know what happened until he heard sirens and went outside.
Up the road, employees at Gus Franco's Pizza heard a bang and ran to the basement. A large tree crashed to the ground outside the business. There was no damage to the shop.
"We abandoned ship," Patrick Elston said, "and went to the basement. I prayed."
There were no reports of any injuries. Crews are also working to restore power to the area.
