Rain, flooding pummel Pittsburgh area as remnants of Ida move through

The National Weather Service said those rivers could crest in areas above what we saw from Hurricane Ivan. Homes and businesses could be inundated by the flood waters.

UPDATE 9:30 p.m.: A daycare owner told Channel 11 she’s thankful there were no children inside as the flood waters quickly rose Wednesday morning.

>>>READ MORE: Daycare owner thankful no kids inside as rushing water flooded facility

UPDATE 5:17 p.m.: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District declared a state of emergency due to flooding conditions impacting the Monongahela River and its tributaries, Sept. 1, 2021.

This emergency declaration authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake support emergency response activities caused by the natural disaster.

The Pittsburgh District may provide support to local communities in need, and repair or rehabilitate flood control projects damaged during the state of emergency.

“If communities request support, we can provide assistance under this declaration,” said Al Coglio, the chief of emergency management for the Pittsburgh District.

UPDATE 4:03 p.m.: Heavy rain ripped through parts of Oakdale, devastating one of the main roads. Business owners are dealing with damage from water and debris.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Soaking rain from Ida will move out by evening, decreasing the Flash Flood threat for most areas.

River levels will continue to rise, especially along the Monongahela, Youghiogheny and Ohio, so take action now if you live an area impacted by river flooding.

Cooler, less humid air will settle into the area the next few days, with no rain in the forecast until Sunday.

UPDATE 2:32 p.m.: Students are being dismissed early all over our area today due to rising waters.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Flooding continues to be an issue in Oakdale.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: Water is being pumped out of homes and businesses in Millvale.

UPDATE 1:00 p.m.: Governor Tom Wolf was joined by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) to provide an update on state agency response to remnants of Ida, which is currently impacting the commonwealth with heavy rain and significant flooding.

“This is an extremely dangerous storm that is impacting the entire state. As we continue to monitor the conditions, I ask everyone to please stay home if you’re able,” Gov. Wolf said. “If you must travel, please monitor the latest road conditions and weather updates. Please, I urge everyone to take this storm seriously and stay safe.”

“We have dispatched water rescue teams from parts of the state that will see less flooding and moved them to areas where we expect more significant impacts from the rain and flooding,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We now need people to stay off the roads unless travel is necessary. If you must travel, do so safely and be aware that conditions can change quickly.”

The Commonwealth Response Coordination Center (CRCC) began 24-hour operations at 8:00 AM Wednesday with in-person or virtual staffing from the following agencies: departments of Environmental Protection, General Services, Health, Military and Veterans Affairs, Human Services and Transportation; Office of the Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Fish and Boat Commission; Public Utility Commission; Turnpike Commission; American Red Cross; and Civil Air Patrol.

“Our crews have been preparing for days by clearing out debris around drainage inlets and under bridges while readying equipment,” Acting PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula said. “With the forecast amount of rain, we remind the public to not drive on roads that are covered with water because even shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway.”

Motorists should watch for ponding on roadways and flooding in poor drainage areas while traveling.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) warns motorists not to drive across roads covered with water because even shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway. Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water. Never drive around barricades or signs on closed roads – Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Anyone planning to travel should closely monitor weather conditions along travel routes. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: The President and Vice President of the Board in Scott Township have declared a state of emergency due to flooding and heavy rain in the area.

The PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is closing several PA State Parks campsites today and Thursday as the remnants of Tropical Depression Ida are expected to bring 4 to 6 inches of rain to a large portion of PA, with some areas expected to see 8 inches or more.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: Crews spent the morning performing water rescues. 260 boat rescued 41 passengers from the school bus and 10 more from homes that took on water rapidly, according to a tweet from the Cherry Hill Fire Department.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.: Gov. Tom Wolf was joined by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania State Police to give an update on Wednesday’s rain and flooding caused by the remnants of Ida.

“This is an extremely dangerous storm that is impacting the entire state. As we continue to monitor the conditions, I ask everyone to please stay home if you’re able,” Wolf said. “If you must travel, please monitor the latest road conditions and weather updates. Please, I urge everyone to take this storm seriously and stay safe.”

Water rescue teams have been dispatched to appropriate areas of the state.

“We have dispatched water rescue teams from parts of the state that will see less flooding and moved them to areas where we expect more significant impacts from the rain and flooding,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We now need people to stay off the roads unless travel is necessary. If you must travel, do so safely and be aware that conditions can change quickly.”

Acting PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula said crews had been preparing for days by clearing out debris around drainage inlets and under bridges.

Ahead of Ida’s arrival in Pennsylvania, Wolf signed a proclamation of disaster emergency.

UPDATE 11:55 a.m.: Route 51, which was closed between Bausman and Whited streets, has reopened. Floodwaters have receded.

UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: New Flood Warnings have been issued for the following areas:

• Monongahela River near Charleroi (until Thursday at 3:50 p.m.)
• Monongahela River near Elizabeth (until Thursday at 8 p.m.)
• Conemaugh River at Seward (until Friday at 12:20 a.m.)
• Youghiogheny River at Connellsville (until Friday at 2:30 a.m.)
• Youghiogheny River at Sutersville (until Friday at 3:08 a.m.)

UPDATE 10:25 a.m.: As rushing water in Pine Creek rises, crews are working to get debris out of the way.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: Yards of several homes on Kay Street in Shaler Township flooded.

UPDATE 10 a.m.: Because of flooding in the Pine Creek area of Etna, people are being asked to evacuate if they live in the floodplain or anywhere near the creek. For those without a place to go, the following locations are available: Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Grant Avenue and the Shaler School District Administrative Building on Mt. Royal Boulevard.

UPDATE 9:30 a.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been extended until 3:30 p.m. for parts of Allegheny, Armstrong, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland and Indiana counties.

UPDATE 8:55 a.m.: Valley High School in New Kensington is being evacuated, according to Brian Rittmeyer, a reporter for Channel 11′s news exchange partners at TribLIVE.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: At least three cars got stuck in floodwaters on Route 51. A driver of one of the cars said the water quickly rose from a couple inches to a couple feet. She said her car felt like a boat.

UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: A disaster emergency has been declared in Bridgeville by Mayor Copeland.

UPDATE 7:55 a.m.: Evacuations are underway in Bridgeville. The Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department is urging people on Baldwin Street and McLaughlin Run to evacuate. The fire department and Bethany Church are open for shelter.

UPDATE 7:45 a.m.: Route 50 in Scott Township is flooded.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: All students who were on a school bus that got stuck in floodwaters on Seavey Road in Shaler Township were evacuated to a safe area, police said.

UPDATE 7:30 a.m.: The flood gates on Washington Boulevard have been activated. There is also flooding on Route 51.

UPDATE 7:23 a.m.: Pittsburgh Public Safety is reporting there are several water rescues happening right now throughout the city.

UPDATE 7:15 a.m.: Valley Brook Road in in Peters Township is flooded as a creek overflows its banks.

UPDATE 7:05 a.m.: A school bus with students on board is stuck in floodwaters on Seavey Road in Shaler Township.

UPDATE 6:25 a.m.: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 12:15 p.m. for parts of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Washington, Westmoreland and Indiana counties.

UPDATE 6:20 a.m.: Reports of road closures are coming in from across the area. Among them are Baldwin Street in Bridgeville, Baldwin Road in Hays, Piney Fork Road in South Park and Little Pine Creek Road in Shaler.

UPDATE 5:45 a.m.: Power outages are being reported in parts of the area, some in locations where downed trees or wires have been reported.

Here are links to the latest outage maps from Duquesne Light and West Penn Power:

• Duquesne Light
• West Penn Power

UPDATE 5:30 a.m.: As the rain comes down in Elizabeth Township, rescue crews are on standby.

The fire department has five boats ready to go at a moment’s notice if flooding becomes an issue.

Officials are urging homeowners and business owners to pay attention and be prepared if they’re near a stream, creek or river that could rise.

UPDATE 5:25 a.m.: A flood advisory is in effect for parts of Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties until 7 a.m.

UPDATE 4:30 a.m.: Ida is dumping widespread rain on our area, setting up the potential for flash flooding Wednesday.

TUESDAY UPDATES

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: The growing concern Tuesday afternoon was that the worst of the rain was still to come, despite the flooding inundating roads, yards and homes. All of that water will continue to flow into the larger waterways, including the Mon River.

“Everybody needs to be prepared for this. It’s going to be bad in the morning,” said Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Chief Chad Rager.

Five boats were on standby at Elizabeth’s fire department and ready to help rescue anyone at a moment’s notice.

UPDATE 11 p.m.: Another area pummeled by rain Tuesday was Peters Township. With more rain on the way, it’s causing concern as creeks and streams were already running high or had already spilled over the banks.

Railroad Street in Peters was flooded because the creek nearby overflowed.

“I live about a quarter mile up the road and it’s flooded at least half of that way,” said Millie Podnar.

UPDATE 10:53 p.m.: Several school districts are closed or delayed for Wednesday.

• Avella: Closed, Flexible Instruction Day
• Burgettstown: Closed, Flexible Instruction Day
• Fort Cherry: Closed
• Uniontown: 2 hour delay

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: Here’s your updated forecast for late Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Rain will slow your morning commute Wednesday, and some areas could see more flooding. A band of moderate to heavy rain is expected, especially across parts of Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland and Fayette counties.

Quick rises on streams and creeks could trigger more Flash Flood Warnings, so be prepared to change your travel plans is roads are closed. The steadiest rain should taper to more showers by noon across Allegheny County, but moderate rain will still be possible for Westmoreland until early afternoon.

Some areas have already picked up enough rain to cause flooding, and additional rainfall of 1″ to 2″ or more will cause even more problems.

River flooding is expected to begin along the Mon River by late Wednesday and continue into Thursday, and flooding on the Ohio River at the Point is expected by Thursday afternoon. The fountain at the Point could be under half a foot of water by Thursday.

UPDATE 9 p.m.: Governor Tom Wolf signed a disaster emergency proclamation ahead of significant rainfall and expected widespread flooding from the remnants of Ida.

“This dangerous storm continues to have devastating impacts across the South and as it heads toward Pennsylvania, we are expecting significant rainfall across the state. This proclamation will allow for our emergency preparedness teams to provide any support needed throughout the storm and its aftermath,” Gov. Wolf said. “I urge Pennsylvanians to monitor local weather and traffic conditions before making any plans and prepare for potential flooding.”

UPDATE 7:03 p.m.: Channel 11′s Amy Hudak says you can hear the roar of Peters Creek as the fast flowing water is flooding areas beyond its banks.

UPDATE 7 p.m.: Channel 11′s Amy Hudak reports there is widespread flooding along Piney Fork, a creek, in South Park.

Additionally, the Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department reports there are multiple flooded roads in Union and Nottingham townships. Rescue crews have also been helping people out of flooded homes.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: The National Weather Service has expanded the Flash Flood Watch to now include areas further to the north of Pittsburgh. This also means there could be locally higher amounts of rainfall.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: More streams and creeks are flooding their banks, especially in areas to the south of the city of Pittsburgh.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Allegheny County officials are reporting flooding is happening in various spots.

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: Matthew Brown, the chief of the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services, said his team is preparing for the worst as remnants of Hurricane Ida inch closer.

“We expect some rapid rises of the Mon and Yough, both. We will start watching them a little closer, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday,” Brown said.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: There is widespread flooding in the Finleyville area. Channel 11′s Jillian Hartmann was along Peters Creek in that area and found the water all the way up to the bottom of a bridge. A nearby home was also underwater.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: There is extensive flooding along Pine Creek in the Wexford area. A viewer sent us video of an abandoned vehicle in the high water as emergency crews closed a stretch of road.

UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for parts of Washington and Allegheny counties. A Flash Flood Warning was already issued and expired earlier Tuesday afternoon for many of these same areas, leading to increased concerns over the scale of flooding.

UPDATE 5:44 p.m.: Emergency officials in Westmoreland County are preparing for what could be a major flooding event across the region. Small creeks and streams are already running high after heavy rains fell Tuesday afternoon.

The director of public safety for the county, Bud Mertz, said the county is preparing to activate its emergency operations center.

“We’re going to activate early tomorrow morning and we expect to be running 24 hours straight through the event,” he said.

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: About 120 Pennsylvania National Guard members have been activated ahead of the remnants of Hurricane Ida moving over Pennsylvania. The soldiers and airmen are staged at various places around the state along with about 35 high-water capable vehicles.

Two helicopters and crews with the Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team are also on stand-by.

UPDATE 4 p.m.: A Flood Advisory has been issued for parts of Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties. The National Weather Service reports between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have already fallen. Locations impacted Pittsburgh, Penn Hills, Bethel Park, Monroeville, McMurray, McKeesport, Jeannette, Canonsburg, Gastonville, Plum, West Mifflin, Baldwin, Upper St. Clair, Murrysville, Whitehall, South Park Township, Munhall, Jefferson Hills, North Versailles and Brentwood.

The Flash Flood Warnings have been allowed to expire.

Tuesday afternoon’s rains are not associated with the remnants of Ida, but were instead a stalled frontal boundary. There could be minor flooding resulting from this.

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Water is flowing over the parking lot at Trax Farms in Finleyville. It’s likely also inside the store and restaurant. Video sent to Channel 11 from a viewer showed at least several inches of water flowing quickly after heavy rains moved through.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: The Mon Wharf will be closed from Wednesday until further notice, according to the Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: Heavy rain is really coming down across the area. Channel 11′s Joe Arena encountered a downpour while on the road in Etna.

UPDATE 1:36 p.m.: The City of Pittsburgh is preparing for storm conditions as Ida travels up into the northeast corridor. The current forecast calls for excessive rain and possible flash flooding today and Wednesday.

The City is taking the following steps to prepare for the inclement weather:

• The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) and Department of Public Works (DPW) are cleaning out catch basins and storm drains.
• Swift Water Flood Response teams comprised of Pittsburgh Fire, EMS, and Police will be staffed from midnight tonight and begin staging in areas of the City that are most susceptible to flooding. The Zodiac-type vessels are equipped with life-saving equipment and teams of four to eight specially trained personnel.
• DPW Street and Forestry crews are preparing to address downed trees and other debris that may block streets.
• Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) electrical inspectors will be on-call to address any large-scale power outages.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for parts of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties until 4:30 p.m.

Thunderstorms that could produce 1 to 2 inches of rain is moving through the area.

Original Story

Rain will overspread the region late Tuesday evening and pick up in intensity after midnight. Rain will be heavy on and off through Wednesday, with the heaviest rain south and east of Pittsburgh.

>>STORY: Rain from Ida likely to bring flooding to parts of southwestern Pennsylvania

A flash flood watch will be in effect Wednesday for much of the area from Washington, Allegheny, Armstrong and Indiana counties and south. As much as 6 inches of rain are possible in parts of Westmoreland, Fayette and Greene counties before rain tapers off Wednesday night.

If you want to receive alerts about weather, download our Severe Weather Team 11 app.

Watch for flash flooding during the day Wednesday. Keep an eye on streams and creeks, as well as traditional low-lying areas. River flooding along the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers will become a bigger concern by Thursday and Friday as water rushes down the hills and mountains into area tributaries.

>>STORY: Ida downgraded to a tropical depression as heavy rains soak southern states

Stay with Severe Weather Team 11 on all of our platforms as we continue to track the impacts of Ida on our area and where high-water issues will be the worst.