Key Points Summary: Deadly Storms
- Over 500,000 lost power across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and nearby states
- At least three people died due to storm-related incidents
- Wind gusts over 80 mph caused massive destruction and power outages
- Emergency officials warn of another storm arriving Thursday
- Pittsburgh recorded its third-highest wind gust in modern history
- Flash floods swamped Oklahoma and Texas, setting rainfall records
- Damage reports stretched from Oklahoma to New York
Fierce Storms Leave Trail of Death and Blackouts Across States
A powerful round of deadly storms slammed the Northeast and parts of the South this week, knocking out power for over half a million people and killing at least three.
Pennsylvania and Ohio were hit the hardest by the widespread blackouts due to
the deadly storms. As of midday Wednesday, over 425,000 homes in Pennsylvania and 40,000 in Ohio remained in the dark, according to PowerOutage.us.
Neighboring states like New York, Michigan, and West Virginia also reported thousands of outages.
Deadly Consequences and Destruction in Pennsylvania
Officials confirmed that a Pennsylvania man died after being electrocuted while trying to put out a mulch fire near downed power lines. He had unknowingly stepped into an active current and died instantly.
In Pittsburgh, another person died after being shocked by live wires on Tuesday night. Emergency crews responded to numerous calls for downed trees, snapped poles, and live power lines.
Allegheny County officials also reported a 67-year-old man was killed when a tree fell on a house in Ross Township, just outside the city.
Unprecedented Wind Damage Across the Region
โThis is a natural disaster of rare magnitude,โ warned Matthew Brown, emergency services chief in Allegheny County.
Duquesne Light described the storm as causing โunprecedentedโ damage, affecting about 250,000 customers and generating more than 22,000 individual hazard reports.
Some areas may remain without electricity for up to a week as out-of-state crews arrive to help with restoration.
Deadly storms: Winds as Strong as Tornadoes Rip Through Cities
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, wind gusts reached between 80 and 90 mph, stronger than many tornadoes classified as EF0 or EF1.
Pittsburgh International Airport recorded a gust of 71 mph, the third-highest in its modern history.
Meteorologists say the storm developed into a โbow echo,โ a curved line of powerful winds that hit hardest at the center of the arc.
More Severe Weather on the Way
Authorities are urging residents to brace for a second wave. Another storm is expected to roll in Thursday, bringing more wind, rain, and possible tornadoes.
The Storm Prediction Center reported over 580 wind incidents on Tuesday alone, with additional damage expected across the southern Plains.
Parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas were put on alert for hail, damaging winds, and flash floods.
Oklahoma Hit by Record-Breaking Flooding
While the Northeast battled wind, Oklahoma and Texas were drenched by relentless storms. Flash flood warnings blanketed southern Oklahoma and northeast Texas by Wednesday afternoon.
In Oklahoma City, emergency responders rescued at least one person trapped in a vehicle submerged by floodwaters.
Rainfall in Oklahoma this April broke records, with 11.94 inches fallingโtopping the previous 1947 mark of 11.91 inches.
More Rainfall Records Likely to Fall
Oklahomaโs statewide average rainfall for April is also approaching a record. The current figure stands close to 8.32 inches, originally set in 1942.
Climatologists expect more rainfall in the coming days, raising fears of flash floods and further weather chaos.
Officials continue to urge residents in storm-prone areas to remain vigilant, avoid downed lines, and prepare for extended outages.
