Emergency crews in parts of West Virginia and Pennsylvania worked tirelessly to rescue residents as severe storms caused widespread flooding on Thursday night. The storms were part of a larger weather system that had already caused significant damage in Florida, including destructive tornadoes and flooding along the Gulf Coast.
Flash flood warnings were issued for western parts of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, with heavy rain leading to flooded streets and homes. Fortunately, the warnings were lifted early Friday morning as the rain subsided to showers.
The heavy rainfall is expected to move towards New England on Friday before exiting the US on Saturday. Flash flood emergencies were declared in the western Pittsburgh suburbs of Oakdale and Coraopolis, prompting rescue operations to evacuate residents from their homes.
In Oakdale, rescue crews used boats to navigate the flooded streets and assist those in need. The strong flood currents were evident as debris floated through the area, causing significant damage to homes and businesses.
In Pittsburgh, emergency units rescued a woman trapped in her sinking car due to rising floodwaters. The city experienced record-breaking rainfall, with nearly 3 inches falling on Thursday alone.
West Virginia also faced life-threatening flash flooding, with reports of water rescues in several counties. South Charleston was particularly affected, with floodwaters submerging roads and parking lots during the heavy rain.
The storms brought damaging wind gusts to the East Coast, leaving over 60,000 homes and businesses without power. Louisiana, still recovering from Wednesday's storms, had 20,000 residents without power on Friday morning.
Florida experienced tornadoes on Thursday, damaging homes in various areas. A flash flood emergency was declared in Tallahassee after the city received more than a month's worth of rain in just two hours.
The severe weather also impacted Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, causing fatalities and significant property damage. The storms were fueled by increased moisture in the atmosphere, a phenomenon linked to human-caused climate change.
