Overview
- Severe storms that moved through the region on Saturday knocked down large trees, damaged buildings and vehicles, and left tens of thousands without power across Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
- The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touchdown southeast of Ellsworth and has dispatched teams to survey three locations to determine tornado ratings and map the storm paths.
- Local leaders moved to speed recovery with Scottdale’s mayor declaring a disaster emergency to authorize relief services and accelerate cleanup and debris removal.
- Targeted losses include a destroyed hangar and at least three damaged planes at Mount Pleasant-Scottdale Airport, crushed antique tractors and sheds at the National Pike Steam Show site, and five spectators injured when a large tent was swept into Randy’s Ridge.
- Utilities and crews are working to restore service and clear roads, with local officials reporting most Scottdale power should be back soon and surveys guiding which areas get priority for repairs and aid.