A severe storm system described as a derecho struck the Midwest and Northeast this week, causing deaths and widespread damage, including leaving hundreds of thousands without power in the Pittsburgh region.
Three fatalities in Pennsylvania have been linked to the storm. Two deaths occurred in Allegheny County, and another was reported in State College. Officials from the Allegheny County Emergency Services (ACES) confirmed two storm-related deaths. In State College, police responded to a report of an individual electrocuted near a utility pole. The State College Police Department stated the incident involved a 22-year-old male encountering an active electric current while addressing a mulch fire.
The storm system evolved into a derecho, characterized by strong, straight-line winds. AccuWeather reported wind gusts reached up to 80 miles per hour in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with some areas seeing gusts up to 95 mph. The National Weather Service defines a derecho as a widespread, long-lived wind storm associated with rapidly moving thunderstorms, capable of producing damage similar to tornadoes.
The impact on infrastructure was immediate and extensive. Downed trees and branches fell across roads and power lines throughout the Pittsburgh area and beyond. This resulted in massive power outages, affecting hundreds of thousands of utility customers. Power restoration efforts are underway across the region. More information on the power situation can be found here.
Cleanup efforts are beginning in many affected communities. Crews are working to remove debris and clear roads. The sheer volume of damage is significant, and the scale of the task is considerable. The disruption is impacting daily routines, including transportation, businesses, and leading to some school closings as authorities prioritize restoring essential services.
The storm also affected other areas. Oklahoma experienced flash flooding, with reports of three to six inches of rain leading to road closures. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol closed a portion of Interstate 44 in Oklahoma City due to the flooding.
County emergency services reported receiving over 5,000 calls per hour during the peak of the storm, overwhelming systems. A State of Disaster has been declared in Pennsylvania. Residents are advised to avoid downed wires and damaged areas as recovery efforts continue.
Details on the Allegheny County response can be found in their bulletin here.
