4 counties under flood watch as storms approach Pittsburgh area

A flood watch is in effect for parts of the Pittsburgh area until Monday morning as excessive rainfall may cause flooding, the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh said Sunday.

The watch for Allegheny, Beaver, Greene and Washington counties began at 11 a.m. Sunday and was scheduled to last until 8 a.m. Monday.

The watch also covers portions of east-central Ohio and northern West Virginia.

The weather service said showers and thunderstorms are expected to begin Sunday afternoon and evening in an environment that is “primed for efficient rainfall,” the watch states.

A Flood Watch is in effect through 8am Monday for the potential of flash flooding due to excessive rainfall. Urban and low-lying areas will be the most vulnerable.

There also is a conditional slight risk (dependent on enough heating) for damaging wind through tonight. pic.twitter.com/TzkY7BlGDX

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) July 17, 2022

Storms could be strong-to-severe with damaging winds, locally heavy downpours and isolated large hail.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, the weather service said. Flooding may occur in urban areas and areas with poor drainage.

Residents are advised to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop, the watch states.

Power outages

West Penn Power and Duquesne Light were both reporting power outages by mid-to-late afternoon Sunday as rain and storms arrived in the region.

As of about 4:30 p.m., West Penn Power was reporting 337 customers affected in Westmoreland County, with 165 of those in Delmont; 206 in Fayette County; and 146 in Washington County.

Duquesne Light was reporting six active outages with 318 customers affected. The majority of them, 288, were in Plum.