Overnight Storm Leaves Trail Of Damage
DERRY BOROUGH (KDKA) – Some heavy storm damage has been reported throughout many areas, including Westmoreland County.
In Derry Borough, a large tree was knocked over and totaled three cars in the process.
A house fire also broke out in Hempfield at a house on East Hillis Street.
A man who lived in the house said he was sleeping when he heard lightning around 4:30 a.m. and a tree fall shortly after.
KDKA's Ross Guidotti Reports:
Everyone inside was able to get out, but a firefighter responding to the scene was shocked to find out it was her son's house that was burning.
He said he started to smell smoke and when he went outside to check it out, the tree had knocked down a power line, setting his house on fire.
KDKA's Ross Guidotti Reports:
"It was like a crashing sound," said resident Rex Collins, "then like a zap whenever -- sparks were flying, I thought it hit the box or something, but it hit a tree and came down on the line."
The family is now being helped by the Red Cross.
"Once we got out of the house, I was just trying to cheer my dad up over here," Collins said.
Old William Penn Highway was closed for a while at Hills Church Rd in Murrsyville after a live powerline fell across the road.
Trees fell across the county and debris was scattered across many roads.
On Route 30 in Latrobe, a stoplight dangling from its line.
Public Safety officials are warning people to be aware of low hanging power lines and also debris in the road.
KDKA's Trina Orlando Reports:
Penn Power says in our area, 11,946 people are still without power as of 5 p.m. The hardest hit areas include Westmoreland, Washington and Fayette counties.
Officials also say about 225 Duquesne Light customers are without power as a result of last night's storm. They say most customers are expected to have service restored by 6 p.m.
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