Flood — Westmoreland, Pennsylvania

1996-01-19 to 1996-01-21 · Westmoreland, Pennsylvania

Wider weather episode

On the Monongahela River near record flooding occurred at all Pennsylvania forecast points, except where record flooding occurred at Lock 2 Braddock. The crest at Lock 2 actually exceeded the crest during the flood of November 1985 by almost a foot. This was due to the tremendous contribution made by the Youghiogheny River during this particular flood. The crest at Braddock was 29.1 feet, 7.1 feet above its 22 foot flood stage, at 9 am on the 20th. Damage was extensive along the river.In Greene County, 9 homes, 3 businesses, and 3 trailer courts were affected.In Fayette County, 499 residences, 55 businesses, 4 churches, 1 fire department, 30 roads, 5 bridges, and 4 sewage plants suffered at least some flood damages. This includes damage along the Youghiougheny River. Major property losses were reported in Westmoreland County along the Monongahela, Conemaugh, and Youghiougheny Rivers.In Washington County, over 600 houses and businesses were affected by flooding. Devastating damage occurred in Allegheny County. Damage occurred along the Allegheny, Ohio, Youghiogheny, and Monongahela Rivers. Twenty-two autos were submerged in icy waters on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh. Many pleasure boats and barges broke their moorings and drifted downriver and some fell over Lock and Dams or broke up on bridges. Area bridges and marinas sustained damage. Approximately 650 buildings were damaged. Many downtown Pittsburgh buildings sustained extensive basement flooding. The Point State Park Museum was flooded with 4 and one-half feet of water. The fountain at the park was also damaged. The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority had to shut down its sewage treatment plant that serves 113 communities. Several hundreds of people had to be evacuated along the rivers. Flood waters entered the Three Rivers Stadium's parking lots and lower levels. Encroaching flood waters forced the Pittsburgh Steeler's to hurriedly pack up uniforms and equipment.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5544536. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.