Strong winds ripped through Western Pennsylvania overnight, causing thousands in the region to lose power.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh reported hurricane-force winds in parts of Washington County. The weather service recorded an 87-mile per hour wind gust in West Alexander at 7:47 p.m. Wednesday, meteorologist Chris Strager said, and the region had sustained winds of about 30 mph throughout the night.
He indicated the worst of the winds are over, but cautioned people to still be careful if working outside today. A high-wind warning remains in effect today for Washington County until 7 p.m.
"What we expect is for the winds to very gradually decrease and improve during the day," Strager said. "But it will still be dangerous if people are out clearing trees because there still will be wind ."
More than 14,000 customers in Washington County were still without power by 3 p.m., according to Allegheny Power. That figure could fluctuate if winds continue to whip through the region and cause problems for repair crews. Allegheny Power officials said it could be late Thursday night before power was fully restored.
Washington County emergency dispatchers received about 600 calls since midnight. An emergency dispatcher said the storm knocked down trees and power lines across the county, but no serious injuries were reported.
Several roads were closed due to downed power lines. Pike Street in Canonsburg remains closed near Strabane Avenue because high winds blew the tin roof off a home and onto utility lines.
South Strabane Township police Chief Don Zofchak reminded drivers to stop at intersections where traffic signals are not functioning. Zofchak said motorists should approach the intersection as though it is a four-way stop and even traffic on the main road should stop before proceeding.
WJPA radio also is off-line after trees knocked down five major power lines near its radio tower in South Strabane Township, according to operations director Bob Gregg. The station returned to the air at 3:55 p.m.
Read more details in tomorrow's Observer-Reporter.