Severe Weather Hits Pennsylvania and Other States
At least three people were killed in Pennsylvania on Tuesday as a storm system that brought severe weather on Sunday and Monday to the central U.S. continued on its eastward trek, causing significant damage and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of people.
Storm-Related Deaths in Pennsylvania
According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, units were sent to the 1000 block of St. Martin Street on Tuesday to respond to reports of a man who was electrocuted by live wires. That man, who hasn’t been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a news release, Allegheny County Emergency Services said a second storm-related death was reported in the county, but details have not yet been released.
Another electrocution death was reported in State College. According to the State College Police Department, first responders were made aware of a person who was electrocuted near a utility pole on University Drive. When crews arrived, they found a 22-year-old man who had encountered an active electric current while trying to put out a mulch fire.
Damage and Power Outages
The National Weather Service received hundreds of reports of severe weather, which included downed trees and power lines and even some roofs that were damaged by near-hurricane-force wind gusts.
Data from FindEnergy.com indicated that a half-million customers throughout the region were without power from the severe storms as of Wednesday morning, with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania being the hardest hit.
Most outages were reported around the Pittsburgh metro, which reported a wind gust of 71 mph. Doppler radar indicated wind gusts could have topped 80 mph, with isolated, embedded tornadoes.
Impact on Communities
In photos and videos taken from Allegheny County, dozens of homes appeared to be damaged by falling trees.
The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department reported even experiencing 911 outages due to the extreme weather. The department encouraged residents who were having phone issues to call their local police zone districts for assistance.
“A large swath of destructive wind damage was seen across our area as storms rolled through. In some locations, straight-line winds gusted over 80-90 mph – stronger than many of the smaller EF-0 & EF-1 tornadoes we typically see in this region, but for a much, much wider area,” meteorologists with the National Weather Service office in Pittsburgh stated.
Other States Affected
Severe weather also rocked parts of Missouri earlier on Tuesday, with thunderstorms producing 91-mph wind gusts in Springfield. In addition, schools in Ozark, Missouri, were told to shelter in place during a Tornado Warning.
There were numerous reports of trees and power lines down in Freistatt, Monett and Aurora.
Another community impacted by the storms was Purdy, Missouri, home to Camp Barnabas, a beloved organization that provides camping experiences for people with chronic illnesses and special needs.
The camp was severely damaged during the storms. Many trees were knocked down on the property, damaging buildings and equipment. Campers are set to arrive in about a month. Volunteers and donations are needed to help them reopen in time to welcome the campers for the summer.
Conclusion
The severe weather that hit Pennsylvania and other states has caused significant damage and loss of life. It is essential for communities to come together to support those affected and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during extreme weather events.
FAQs
Q: How many people were killed in the severe weather in Pennsylvania?
A: At least three people were killed in Pennsylvania as a result of the severe weather.
Q: What was the cause of the deaths in Pennsylvania?
A: The deaths in Pennsylvania were caused by electrocution from live wires and a mulch fire.
Q: How many people were without power due to the severe storms?
A: A half-million customers throughout the region were without power from the severe storms as of Wednesday morning.
Q: Which states were affected by the severe weather?
A: Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Oklahoma were among the states affected by the severe weather.
Q: How can I stay safe during extreme weather events?
A: It is essential to stay informed, have a plan in place, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during extreme weather events. This includes avoiding travel, staying indoors, and avoiding downed power lines and trees.
