Strong wind gusts bring down trees, knock out power

PITTSBURGH — Strong winds on Wednesday caused damage and power outages across western Pennsylvania ahead of a cool down.

Winds reached more than 50 mph, bringing down trees and limbs across the Pittsburgh area, including in Highland Park.

A giant tree crashed into two homes on Wellesley Road, causing damage to the exteriors of both homes.

"I didn't know whether it was an explosion or what," said Reggie Young, who owns one of the homes. "When I came downstairs and looked out the front door, there was a big front tree that was out there."

Another tree brought down power lines on West Hardies Road near South Pioneer Road in Hamptown Township.

Thousands of power outages were reported throughout the day, with hundreds still without service by daybreak.

West Penn Power customers without service were told they may not have it restored until 4 p.m. Thursday. Duquesne Light told Channel 11 News that 200 customers in Moon Township were expected to have power restored by 2 p.m. Thursday.

One outage impacted two elementary schools in the North Allegheny School District. In an email to parents, the district said Peebles Elementary School and Hosack Elementary School were operating on backup power and all students were safe.

Winds began to die down after 10 p.m. Wednesday. Severe Weather Team 11 said a breeze would stick around for much of the night, pushing wind chills into the mid-20s across much of the area by Thursday morning.

, with accumulation likely.

Cox Media Group