Rain triggers landslides; Washington Blvd. closed
Rainfall that hit the area Friday brought with it the potential for flooding in several areas, as up to 2 incheswas expected in some places.
The National Weather Service in Moon issued a flood watch at 2 p.m. Friday for portions of southwest Pennsylvania.
The watch is scheduled to expire at8 a.m. Saturday.
Transportation officials said mudslides had closed roads in Penn Hills and Forward.
In Penn Hills, Allegheny River Boulevard was closed at the intersection of Sandy Creek Road. In Forward, a mudslide closed Church Hollow Road between McVicker Lane and Bunola River Road.
Flooding closed Route 48 between Cool Springs Road in White Oak and Old Long Run Road in McKeesport, as well as Ripple Road between Long Run Road and Stepanik Road in White Oak.
Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh was closed until Sunday in the flood-prone area in Highland Park. Police lowered floodgates along the boulevard Friday.
The Pittsburgh Parking Authority said the Mon Wharf would be closed to parking Monday because of rising water in the Monongahela River. The Ohio River was expected to crest at just over 21 feet on Sunday morning, the authority said, well below its flood stage of 25 feet.
Chris Leonardi, a meteorologist at the weather service, said floodprone areas would be most affected by the precipitation.
“We can start to see some small streams that might come up and flood their banks,” he said.
Mr. Leonardi also issued an oftrepeated warning: “If you come across flooding on a road, turn around. Don’t drown.”