Day 3 Recovery Update from Allegheny County Emergency Service

Published on May 02, 2025

(PITTSBURGH) - The Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services (ACES) continues to operate their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) virtually and in person in response and recovery efforts from the storm damages April 29-30. The following highlights were shared from their 11am Situational Report (SITREP) briefing this morning.

We are approaching the completion of day three of widespread electrical outages and debris/damage clean up and repair. While much progress has been made, many safety concerns continue to exist on some roads, sidewalks and communities. Many road closures remain in effect. Please follow all safety instructions as previously shared and continue to monitor local news and municipal and government updates. Do not go around barriers or caution tape, do not go near downed wires or lines – assume all of them to be energized, traffic signals that are not functioning are to be treated as a stop sign for all at the intersection – take your turn safely.
Challenging and threatening weather continues to be of concern. Several days of unsettled weather with chances for more storms exist. The public is urged to continue to monitor weather conditions and follow NWS safety guidance provided for watches and warnings.
9-1-1 Communications call volume continues to be high with continued reports of downed trees and wires, as well as all the relatively normal emergency operations across the county. The public is reminded to not call 9-1-1 to ask when your electric will be restored. Only call 9-1-1 for emergencies. All 9-1-1 systems and personnel are in full operation to continue to serve with their public safety partner agencies and all the people of Allegheny County.
Emergency managers countywide continue to work together to focus on priority efforts to keep their communities safe and improve traffic routes. Including temporary shelter planning and support of critical infrastructure and vulnerable populations with non-emergency medical support needs and even food and water support in some areas. Many of these efforts are in coordination with County Department of Human Services and our great VOAD partners like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army and many other volunteer organizations.
Within the operating EOC there are coordinating staff from the major utilities who continue to report rapid recovery efforts are ongoing with many electrical service restorations in process around the clock. At the height of the storms Tuesday, Allegheny County had well over 350,000 residents or business properties without electricity. Both electrical providers continue to work with county and municipal EMA’s to coordinate critical electrical needs and many debris or tree removals. Monday into Tuesday is still their collective goal for all customers to be fully restored.
Both Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh issued emergency disaster declarations this past Wednesday. Currently 23 municipalities have also issued their own emergency disaster declarations.
We urge the residents and communities to work with their public safety officials and municipal leaders and be sure to check on neighbors, friends and family who may still be without electricity or have access restrictions in their neighborhoods. Particularly those known to have medical conditions or relying on medical support systems like medical grade oxygen. Emergency management officials began working several days ago with coordination of increased capacity and quick turn around times for medical oxygen suppliers. But access to refills can still be challenging for some. But all suppliers should be well positioned to replace supplies.
Daily situational reports are being completed until everyone is fully recovered from the impacts of this natural disaster.

Roads and Debris Clearance – Department of Public Works (DPW)

34 county-maintained roads were closed due to downed trees and wires.
26 of those roads have now reopened.
The following seven roads remain closed:
In Leet, Camp Meeting Road is reduced to one lane between Spenser Lane and Watson Street/Woodham Road.
DPW crews will complete tree and debris removal once utility companies confirm it is safe to proceed.

Additional Information

For non-emergency road issues or to determine road ownership, visit:
www.alleghenycounty.us/whoownsmyroad

Media inquiries for the Allegheny County Emergency Services should be sent to Kasey.Reigner@AlleghenyCounty.US. For contacts, including phone numbers and email addresses, visit the Communications webpage.