Did a tornado move through east-central Allegheny County on Wednesday?
That’s what the National Weather Service in Moon Township will look to find out as they conduct a survey Thursday, according to a post from the agency on social media.
Heavy rain and wind blew through the region Wednesday, knocking down trees and utility lines. A tornado warning was issued around 5 p.m. in the Etna, Lower Burrell, Oakmont and Plum areas. Among municipalities that experienced downed power lines and trees were Fawn, Frazer and Shaler.
Other areas dealt with thunderstorms as a cold front swept through the region.
A wintry mix, including chances of flurries and wet snow, will hit Thursday as temperatures drop from the 50s into the 30s.
Power outages were reported throughout the area late Wednesday. Thousands remained without power Thursday morning.
As of around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, more than 3,200 Duquesne Light customers remained without power.
It reported heavy damage was sustained in Aspinwall and Penn Hills as a result of wind gusts that reached more than 60 mph, as well as possible tornadoes.
Duquesne Light reported that roughly 28,000 customers were without power at the peak of the storm.
The company said its crews are working around the clock to restore service.
It said it is continuing to assess the damage and will share an estimated time of restoration as soon as possible.
West Penn Power early Thursday morning nearly 900 customers still without power in Westmoreland County.
In Pittsburgh, a traffic signal was out in Shadyside because of the storm, according to city officials.
Stop signs were placed at the intersection of Fifth and Morewood avenues, and the remaining traffic signals were set to flashing red. The measures are expected to remain in place through at least Thursday morning when crews can address the issue.
