A powerful storm swept through Western Pennsylvania, leaving the region reeling. As residents face the aftermath, officials are calling it one of the most destructive weather events in recent memory — and a sobering reminder of the growing risks tied to extreme weather .
What happened?
On April 29, a fast-moving storm unleashed intense winds across the Pittsburgh area, toppling trees, tearing off roofs, and downing power lines. The chaos led to at least four deaths and knocked out power to more than 400,000 homes and businesses at its peak.
Emergency services were overwhelmed, with 911 centers reporting more than 5,000 calls per hour. One man was electrocuted by a live wire that fell on his vehicle, while two others were killed by falling trees. A fourth fatality occurred in State College under similar circumstances to the first.
By May 1, over 114,000 customers were still without power. Duquesne Light called the storm “unprecedented” and estimated full restoration could take up to a week. Disaster emergencies were declared in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and several nearby communities…