Pennsylvania hit by July 4 storms causing widespread flooding and flood watches

Heavy thunderstorms rolled across Pennsylvania over the July 4 weekend, delivering record rainfall of 1.97 in at Pittsburgh International Airport and saturating the ground. The deluge forced the postponement of Washington’s “Spark in the Park” fireworks, flooded roads in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, and triggered a landslide that buried State Route 88 near Allenport. The Charleroi Fire Department responded to more than 30 calls in a 24‑hour period, including flood rescues, a lightning‑struck roof, and a gas leak caused by a collapsed road.

Power outages affected roughly 14,000 customers, with Duquesne Light and West Penn Power reporting thousands without electricity before most service was restored. The National Weather Service reinstated flood watches for many southwestern counties and issued a broader flood watch covering central Pennsylvania, warning of possible flash flooding and rising creeks. Authorities advised residents to avoid flooded roadways, monitor forecasts, and prepare for potential flash‑flood warnings.

Air travel at Pittsburgh International Airport was disrupted, with more than 100 flights delayed and dozens cancelled. Local officials deployed sandbags and heavy equipment to protect homes and clear debris, while some municipalities declared states of emergency in response to the flooding.