PENNSYLVANIA — The National Weather Service is sending teams to three locations in Western Pennsylvania to assess damage caused by severe storms that moved through the region over the weekend.
According to officials, the first survey area will include damage around Ellsworth and portions of south-central Westmoreland County. Additional survey teams will examine damage south of the Washington County Airport and east of Connellsville.
The surveys come after strong storms brought damaging winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Pennsylvania, leaving tens of thousands of customers without electricity across multiple counties.
Storm damage was reported in several communities, including downed trees and structural damage. In Scottdale, Fayette County, Mayor Veronica House declared a disaster emergency following the storms.
The declaration allows local officials to access relief services and speed up efforts to obtain assistance for cleanup and recovery operations.
“Nothing changes for the residents other than seeing a much quicker response in the clean-up of borough property,” House said in a statement. “This is simply a way for the council to legally convene so they can all have the same clear understanding of what is occurring in the borough and where the needs are currently.”
The National Weather Service surveys will help determine the strength and nature of the storms that caused the damage, including whether any tornadoes may have occurred.
Officials continue to assess the extent of damage across the region as cleanup efforts remain underway.
