Strong winds, rain causing power outages, downed trees; Thunderstorms possible

PITTSBURGH — Strong winds and persistent rain is proving troublesome in some portions of the Channel 11 viewing area.

According to Fayette County emergency officials, trees and wires are down throughout the county.

Officials have also reported widespread power outages and have cautioned motorists to use caution when approaching traffic stops. Nonfunctioning traffic signals should always be treated as four-way stops.

One person was hurt, officials said, when a tree fell on Bailey Avenue. That person was taken to Uniontown Hospital with undisclosed injuries.

The National Weather Service has also reported damaging winds in Fayetteville, Jefferson County. Officials said Downsloping winds off of the mountains are gusting up to 55 mph.

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Severe Weather Team meteorologist Valerie Smock said rain will continue to increase with the day.

Areas most at-risk for thunderstorms should be south of Interstate 80 and west of Pittsburgh, toward the Ohio/Pennsylvania state lines.

“Where we do have the storms, there can be heavy rain, damaging winds and even small hail. This threat, as of now, appears to be very slight,” said Smock.

Periods of rain with scattered storms are expected Wednesday.

“A few storms may be strong with gusty winds,” Smock said.

She anticipates high temperatures around 70 degrees and lows around 50 degrees.

WPXI