Pittsburgh Under Enhanced Risk Of Severe Storms, Possible Tornadoes

PITTSBURGH, PA — Prepare for the possibility of some wild weather in Western Pennsylvania Tuesday.

The National Weather Service says showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and into tonight with the approach and passage of a cold front. There is an Enhanced Risk, or Level 3 out of 5, for severe storms this afternoon into tonight. The main hazard is expected to be damaging wind, though large hail and isolated tornadoes are also possible.

Duquesne Light said in a release that it is increasing staffing to ensure that any outages are responded to safely and as quickly as possible. But because of potentially hazardous conditions, some response times may be delayed during the weather event.

When the extent of weather damage is widespread throughout the area, Duquesne Light prioritizes restoration in this order:

1. Public safety hazards
2. Public health and safety facilities (critical customers)
3. Major circuits
4. Small neighborhoods/individual homes.

In the event of an outage, Duquesne Light says to:

• Call 911 for any emergency medical issues.
• Report it on DLC’s mobile app or on DuquesneLight.com. Those without internet access can call 888-393-7100.
• Avoid any downed power lines, give ample space to lineworkers and stay away from objects or puddles that are in contact with downed power lines.
  • Report downed wires or other hazardous situations to DLC’s emergency number at 888-393-7000.