As of Tuesday afternoon, approximately 21,000 residents in Pennsylvania are facing power outages in the aftermath of a severe storm that struck the Pittsburgh area on Monday night. The outage situation has been exacerbated by the looming heatwave that is expected to bring heat index values soaring into the low 100s throughout the week, posing a significant risk to those without access to adequate cooling.
FirstEnergy, one of the major power companies in the state, has been working diligently to restore power to affected areas. A company spokesperson mentioned that restoration efforts are underway, with some counties potentially regaining power as early as 11 p.m. ET tonight, while other regions may have to wait until later in the week to have their electricity restored.
Meanwhile, Duquesne Light Co. has mobilized a storm response team and bolstered its workforce to expedite the power restoration process. The company's voicemail system has indicated their commitment to addressing the outages promptly.
The challenging circumstances are further compounded by the impending heatwave, with Pittsburgh bracing for a prolonged period of scorching temperatures. The city could experience six consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 95 degrees, potentially matching a record set back in 1994. In southwestern Pennsylvania, nighttime temperatures are forecasted to remain uncomfortably high, struggling to drop below 70 degrees from Tuesday through Saturday.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated during this period of extreme heat and power outages. It is crucial to seek out alternative cooling options and stay informed about the latest updates from local authorities and power companies as efforts continue to restore electricity to affected areas.
