Pittsburgh-area storms bring tornado warnings, widespread damage and power outages
The Pittsburgh area was hit hard by severe weather on Sunday evening, with the National Weather Service issuing multiple tornado warnings as strong winds and heavy rain pounded the region.
The storms toppled trees and caused power outages across southwestern Pennsylvania. The severe weather moved in around 5 p.m. and continued until about 8 p.m. on Sunday. All other severe weather warnings, including tornado warnings, have expired in the Pittsburgh area.
Now, residents are cleaning up and assessing the damage. Photos sent to KDKA-TV show that a tree crashed into a home in Butler County, multiple trees on cars in Pittsburgh and downed power lines across the region. Damage reports show that Butler County was among the hardest-hit areas.
150-year-old barn damaged by storms
Strong winds tore the roof off a more than 100-year-old barn in Worth Township, Butler County. The family told KDKA-TV the structure sits on a farm that dates back to the 1700s.
"We had a machine shed, and the roof is completely in the pasture also," Jessica Houk said on Sunday. "So, we have sheds that are completely gone, roofs off of the barn, trees down on power lines, damage to a vehicle."
Greg Keppel's father-in-law owns the property, including the barn.
"Been in the family forever," Keppel said on Sunday. "It's kind of old, but it's sturdy, and it blew the back of the roof right off."
He promises the barn won't look like this for long.
"We have a lot of neighbors," Keppel said. "We'll rally, we'll get it fixed."
Power outages in Pittsburgh area
More than 8,000 Duquesne Light customers were without power as of 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. More than 6,000 First Energy customers were without power as of 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Look ahead at Pittsburgh's weather
The next week won't exactly see great pool weather, with highs hitting the mid to upper 70s on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Thursday is unique, as there appears to be a chance of severe weather. In fact, the severe weather chance is so high that KDKA-TV has highlighted it as a First Alert Weather Day.
The numbers coming in for Thursday, right now, appear to be historic in the intensity of the low driving these storms, and any time you have that type of setup, the severe weather risk is usually very high. All forms of severe weather appear possible on Thursday, with strong winds being the biggest threat.
