Trees, wires down, fires called in around Butler County
Amid thousands of power outages, Butler County 911 is getting overwhelmed with calls of trees and wires down, cars stuck in wires and fires.
According to West Penn Power, 11,760 outages were reported as of 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. The Central Electric Cooperative also reported an additional 2,190 outages.
In addition, Allegheny County 911 is reportedly down, with Butler control center taking over.
The most recent update from the National Weather Service lists a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 6:15 in Butler and surrounding counties, with potential winds up to 80 mph.
Incidents reported to county emergency center include two cars stuck in downed wires along Route 8 near Kelly Chevrolet. High tension power lines are reportedly down on Route 8 in Penn Township. Another report said a vehicle was stuck in power lines on Brownsdale Road in Penn Township. Route 356 is completely blocked at Schuster Drive due to entangled wires. A transformer was reportedly on fire on Cubbage Road. A utility pole was reportedly on fire at 2583 Rochester Road, and trees were down on Myoma Road in Adams Township. Trees and wires were reportedly down on Grandview Boulevard in Butler Township.
Strong winds, large hail and an isolated tornado are all possibilities due to this storm, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.
The likelihood of storms will drop when the daytime heat fades away after 7 p.m, according to meteorologist Jason Frazier.
Eagle staff writer Matthew Glover contributed to this report.
