PITTSBURGH — Heavy rain and gusty winds that prompted several severe thunderstorm warnings caused damage across western Pennsylvania Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
The storms packed a punch, bringing down wires and debris on Federal Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Drivers were diverted to side roads, while Duquesne Light workers responded to cut off the power.
Nearly 10 inches of rain and counting!
We're not done yet, but relief is on the way.
Pittsburgh's Chief Meteorologist Stephen Cropper is tracking widespread showers and storms and when the wet weather will finally end - tonight at 5 on Channel 11 News.
About 15 backyards and basements were flooded along Autumnwood Drive in Shaler Township when the Little Pine Creek spilled over its banks. Neighbors in that area told Channel 11 News several trees also came down during the storms. No one was hurt.
A vehicle became stuck in high water along Whites Hill Road in New Sewickley Township early Wednesday. The person inside was rescued. A man was also rescued from his car on Brush Creek Road.
“Officers noticed Brush Creek was rising in a quick pace - actually more than normal. At 3:30 in the morning, they noticed the roads covered,” New Sewickley Township Police Chief Ronald Leindecker said.
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At least two homes on Route 989 were evacuated due to rising water from Brush Creek.
"This is the second time in recent years I've had to be rescued," homeowner Bill Mohr said.
In total, river rescue crews helped seven people and five dogs escaping the rising waters.
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Route 151 in Hopewell was closed Wednesday because of water on the road.
McKnight Road in Ross Township was flooded for a short time, and Elicker Roan in Plum was completely cutoff by fallen trees.
Crews blocked a portion of Overbeck Street in Spring Hill due to what they called a landslide.
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority told Channel 11 News that there has been a history of landslides on the road, which was visibly cracked.
“We have addressed any issues with PWSA facilities upon any earth movement. We have been working with the city to determine a remediation plan for the hillside and our facilities,” PWSA said in a written statement.
No injuries were reported in relation to any of the incidents.
Meanwhile over at PNC Park, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen made quite a play — during a rain delay.
The grounds crew at PNC Park was trying to put the tarp on the infield Tuesday night when the game between Pittsburgh and San Diego was delayed by bad weather in the third inning.
Heavy winds and rain caused the tarp to start swelling, and a member of the grounds crew was swallowed up and trapped underneath.
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McCutchen was watching from in front of the Pirates' dugout. The Pittsburgh All-Star saw the man get caught and quickly ran onto the field to help pull the tarp off him.
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Pirates outfielders Sean Rodriguez and Gregory Polanco also lent helping hands to get the man to safety.
The inclement weather delayed the game for an hour and 42 minutes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
WPXI
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