City of Pittsburgh: Emergency Storm Response Update

Published on May 01, 2025

City of Pittsburgh - Primary Seal

Date: May 1, 2025
From: Mayor Ed Gainey and City of Pittsburgh, Emergency Management

Overview of Impact: An unprecedented, severe storm caused widespread damage across Pittsburgh. Staff from the Mayor’s Office, Public Safety, Public Works, DOMI and I&P are coordinating 24/7 with PennDOT, Pittsburgh Water and Duquesne Light Company (DLC) to ensure the fastest possible recovery and restoration of services.

  • We are monitoring the weather closely for a potential damaging storm this evening
  • In the immediate wake of the storm there were 325,000 outages across the DLC service area, with more than 140,000 in Pittsburgh. As of the morning of May 1, the number of remaining outages in the city stood at 84,000.
  • DLC continues to prioritize hospitals, Department of Public Safety facilities, Pittsburgh Water distribution infrastructure, PPS Schools, senior high rises, dialysis centers and other critical facilities for power restoration.
  • DPW is coordinating closely with DLC to remove trees as soon as they are cleared of power lines.
  • 400 added electrical workers are on the ground helping with restoration of power
  • Of 60 traffic signals that were impacted by power outages, we have restored 30 to normal operation.
  • This morning, all PPS schools are open with the exception of several schools in the south hills that are in session remotely.

City Response to Support Residents

  • Power issues at Pittsburgh Water’s pumping facilities have been resolved, avoiding a potential drop in water pressure.
  • Mayor Gainey declared a disaster emergency yesterday, to give the city maximum flexibility in addressing damage through coordination with other agencies and to ensure that both the city and residents are poised to receive any financial support that may come from the Commonwealth or Federal Government.
  • Extended hours at senior and rec centers for recharging phones and other power needs (https://bit.ly/CitiParksandHALCenterUpdates)
  • DPW is offering residents extended Saturday and Sunday debris drop off between 6 am to 10 pm. Fees will be waived for residents (not contractors). These locations will accept debris:

What To Do & Who To Call

Life Safety Emergencies: Call 911 – please do NOT use 911 to report non-emergencies

Downed Tree:

  • Non-emergency: Call 311 or 412-255-2621
  • Emergency threat: Call 911
  • Do not remove any caution tape or temporary barricades that have been put in place

Power Out? Duquesne Light manages electric service. The City is working 24/7 to maximize mutual aid support for Duquesne Light in order to expedite recovery

Downed Power Line:

  • Assume that any downed line is energized and dangerous!
  • Stay 30+ feet away
  • Do not remove any caution tape or temporary barricades that have been put in place
  • Report to utility company Duquesne Light: 888-393-7100

Water service disruption:

  • Report to Pittsburgh Water: Call 412-255-2423

Message from Mayor Gainey

"We are working around the clock to keep Pittsburgh safe and get services restored. Please report issues, check on neighbors, and stay safe. We will get through this together."

 

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