Devastating Storms in Beaver County: Trees Fall, Homes Split

Severe Storms Cause Destruction in Beaver County

A powerful storm system hit Beaver County, Pennsylvania, on Friday night, leading to widespread damage, power outages, and injuries. One family’s home in Patterson Heights suffered severe destruction when a massive oak tree fell on it, splitting the structure in half during the storm.

Tree Falls on Home in Patterson Heights

The storm struck around 6:30 PM, with residents reporting increasingly strong winds and hail in the area. A neighbor described the moment the tree fell, stating that “the wind picked up, the trees were swaying, and it began hailing.” A tree, measuring approximately eight feet in diameter at the base, toppled onto the house located on Seventh Street.

The homeowners, who had lived in the residence for 28 years, were outside cooking when the storm intensified. Upon receiving a weather alert, they hurried inside, but it was too late to avoid the disaster. Nadine, one of the residents, suffered a broken ankle and had to be rescued by her husband, who broke a window to reach her.

Power Outages Across the Region

The storm had a significant impact across Beaver County, with nearly 9,600 customers losing power, primarily in Beaver Falls, Patterson Heights, and New Brighton. Duquesne Light reported that the situation was dire, and restoration efforts were underway as utility crews worked to reestablish electricity for thousands affected by the storm.

Areas around Blackhawk High School and other locations experienced downed trees, compounding the chaos and interruption caused by the severe weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to report power outages and check on the status of restoration through Duquesne Light’s outage map.

Meteorological Insights

According to Pittsburgh’s Action Weather chief meteorologist Mike Harvey, steady rain is expected to continue into early Saturday morning, although the bulk of the storms will pass by then. The forecast indicates a cooling trend following the storms, with expected highs in the mid to upper 60s for the weekend. Clearer, chilly conditions will prevail at night, and temperatures could drop to the 40s.

Residents are urged to stay updated on weather developments as conditions transition into a drier spell early next week. Morning rains will give way to sunshine, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could rise back into the 80s by Tuesday.

Safety Precautions and Reporting

In light of the severe weather, officials remind residents to be vigilant about safety during storms. They advise locals to heed weather alerts and seek shelter indoors when storms are severe. Local news stations continue to cover the developments surrounding storm-related power outages and damage reports across the region.

The WTAE app and other news platforms are facilitating timely updates on the situation, including breaking news and severe weather alerts. Residents can access these resources to stay informed during ongoing weather events.

Community Response and Recovery Efforts

The storm’s aftermath has prompted a robust community response, with neighbors and local volunteers coming together to support those affected. The sight of uprooted trees and damaged homes has sparked conversations around preparedness for future storms, emphasizing the need for residents to have emergency plans in place.

Utility companies have mobilized their crews to restore power efficiently, and local government agencies are assessing the damage throughout Beaver County. Community leaders are coordinating efforts for assistance programs to support displaced families and individuals recovering from storm-related trauma.

Contact Information and Resources

For those affected by the storm, local authorities encourage you to reach out to emergency services for immediate assistance. Residents can also access Duquesne Light’s website for updates on power restoration timelines and services. Additionally, Comcast and other service providers are reporting outages and service issues across the impacted areas.

To stay informed and connected during severe weather events, it is advisable to download local news apps, check social media updates, and subscribe to emergency alert systems operated by county and state officials.

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