Our Channel 11 News crews found widespread flooding all around Allegheny County Thursday morning. It forced street closures near the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers.
The early morning commute came to a stop along state route 837 in Dravosburg. The well-traveled road that runs parallel to the river is flooded at several intersections.
It made it impossible for some to get to work.
Gary Ellison works for a crane rental company that is located along the river.
“I came in from Irwin. I tried coming in across the bridge...Can’t come this way. Can’t get through 837 down to the McKeesport Bridge. So ah, I’m gonna go to breakfast,” said Ellison. “Our yard is flooded. There are a couple of guys stuck down there. They can’t get out.”
And Ellison can’t get there.
“I tried every which way, but can’t get there,” said Ellison
Tractor trailers lined up, one behind the other, with no other choice but to wait for the water to recede.
By daybreak, locals came to catch a bird’s eye view of the high waters after heavy rain.
“It’s pretty cool. I like science, so I mean, it’s how nature works. It wants to show off a little bit every now and then,” said Fred Yanity, a Mckeesport resident.
Yanity had to snap a photo because, although the area is prone to flooding, it’s the first time he’s seen it like this.
“I’m gonna post and show my friends” said Yanity.
With so much rain and run off, it may be some time before people along the river get back to a normal routine.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW