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Strong Storms Cause Widespread Damage

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Strong storms moved through the area Wednesday morning, which caused some flooding and damage around the area.

West Penn Power crews were working to get Painters Run Road in Upper St. Clair reopened after a tree fell in the middle of the street.

As a result of the downed three, all of the businesses were closed and commuters were unable to get through this morning.

Dangling wires and a giant tree were just some of the aftermath from storms that swept through the area this morning.

Ellen Flasck says she was on her way to work at Bridgeville Automotive when she saw it.

"I came around the corner and I saw some fire on the side of the road. At first, I thought it was flares, [but] there was a tree down," Flasck said.

Power crews have told the businesses that they're just taking things hour-by-hour in terms of getting things repaired.

"Well, it's [got to] be open. We've got work to do, we've got customers' cars we've gotta get done. So, we'll be here until we get them done," Flasck said.

However, sparking wires had also ignited some brush, but there were no reported injuries.

Elsewhere, a van along Delrose Street went up in flames. Officials believe the cause of the fire was lightning.

"It kept booming and banging like tires were blowing. We didn't even open the door much because we were afraid if this thing gets to the gas tank and explodes. I was worried about my car. I mean we're ten feet away," Kathy Gallagher said.

A house in the 1600-block of Transverse Avenue in Mount Oliver was hit by lightning around 3:55 a.m.

Everyone inside was able to make it out safely. It appears the strike only created some smoke inside the home, but fire crews quickly got everything under control.

In terms of the forecast, there is still a possibility of rain for the rest of the afternoon.

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