National Weather Service confirms 2 tornadoes touched down Wednesday

TARENTUM, Pa. — National Weather Service meteorologists confirmed Wednesday afternoon that two tornadoes touched down overnight.

One tornado was in the Tarentum area. It was on the ground from 1:11 a.m. to 1:18 a.m. and traveled more than four miles. The NWS says this was an EF-1 tornado, with peak winds at 100 mph.

The second tornado touched down just briefly in Lower Burrell from 1:17 a.m. to 1:18 a.m. This tornado traveled 1/4 mile. This has been classified as an EF-0 with peak winds at 70 mph.

Neither tornado caused any injuries or deaths.

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The Pittsburgh NWS issued a tornado warning at 1:17 a.m. after radar indicated a Tornado Debris Signature along Days Run Road near Broadview (see image). The signature quickly dissipated as the cell passed through Tarentum and crossed the Allegheny River. The tornado warning was canceled at 1:21 a.m.

Severe thunderstorms raked the region with 70-80 mph winds last night downing many trees, damaging homes and taking the roof off of at least three buildings in the area. Pittsburgh International Airport reported a peak wind gust of 75 mph just after 1 a.m. That is the fastest thunderstorm-related wind ever recorded at the airport. Records date back to 1948. A minimal hurricane has sustained winds of 74 mph.

Church’s roof ripped apart during strong storms in New Kensington Church’s roof ripped apart during strong storms in New Kensington

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