Pittsburgh Weather: Heat Advisory, Severe Thunderstorm Watches, Flash Flood Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - It's day three of severe weather in southwestern Pennsylvania.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for multiple counties, including Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. It'll be in place until 8 p.m.
Another Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for multiple counties, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland counties. That'll last until 10 p.m.
NWS Pittsburgh says storms could bring hail as big as a quarter, strong gusts up to 70 mph and frequent lightning.
A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 10:30 p.m. for parts of Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for parts of Washington, Indiana, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Armstrong and Fayette counties until 8:30 p.m.
A Severe Thunderstorm is in effect for parts of Washington and Allegheny counties until 8:30 p.m.
On Twitter, Allegheny County says multiple incidents are being responded to throughout the county. They say 911 experienced higher than normal call volume because of the storms. Callers were reporting power outages, flooding and wind damage.
A Heat Advisory is also in place for several counties in our area. The NWS says heat indices could range from around 100 to 105 degrees.
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Outdoor workers had to take precautions to beat the heat on Thursday because of the Heat Advisory.
Scorching temperatures and humidity are two ingredients for a dangerous day on the job. Whether it's mowing lawns, delivering mail or cleaning up storm damage, the risk of heat-related illnesses is concerning for outdoor workers.
"Do I look happy?" Nathan Rowan, the owner of Rowan Work Service, said as he laughed.
"I'm used to it," said Chris Olexa, a laborer for Rowan Works Service.
Rowan and Olexa, along with their other co-workers, had to get the job done despite the heat on Thursday. They spent hours removing two large trees that fell on a house in Plum on Wednesday.
Rowan Works Services employees had to remove the trees from the home on Hialeah Drive so a structural assessment could be done. The house was the childhood home of former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee.
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"When we got here, you couldn't even tell there was a house underneath," said Olexa. "I would prefer a cool day, but we're in the summer, it's the work we do, so you have to be ready for it."
Even though they're used to the heat, their water bottle stash and the shade are their best friends on days like this.
"You try to be cautious, take breaks. If you're hot, drink lots and lots of water that's the important thing to try to stay cool when you can. Don't overwork yourself to the point of heat exhaustion," said Olexa.
They were working smart and as quickly as possible to beat the heat.
"Hydrate, don't overdo it, let your guys relax, let them get their time and short spurts. Work hard fast then relax for a few, work hard fast, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate," said Rowan.
There is a free heat safety app that the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health created for workers outside. It shows the current heat index and risk for your location. It also shares recommendations.
OSHA shared a reminder on Thursday about three important words: water, rest and shade. Workers should drink water every 15 minutes and take frequent rest breaks in shaded areas.
Stay up to date with the KDKA app, which you can download here.
