Oakmont resident recounts moment fast-moving, powerful storm sent tree falling onto powerlines
Residents in Oakmont reported to Channel 11 News that just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, winds began to increase, causing widespread power outages and massive trees to snap. The downed trees crashed into power lines, shutting down major thoroughfares like Hulton Road.
Oakmont was one of the areas hardest hit in the region. Drone 11 captured images of trees uprooted and branches broken in half, blocking streets and bringing down power lines throughout the community.
PHOTOS: Drone 11 captures devastating storm damage across Western Pennsylvania
Local businesses were affected as well; many shops along Oakmont's main street were closed, with signs on their doors stating, 'Sorry, no power.' Oakmont Bakery was open for a brief period to fulfill pickup orders, while a nearby restaurant had to throw away food but managed to offer a limited menu for guests.
'I have never seen wind like this. I have been here since 1972,' shared Jack Eaton, a homeowner in Oakmont.
Eaton recounted sitting in his living room when he first saw his welcome mat fly across his back deck.
'It went by so fast that I didn't know what it was at first; I thought it was a piece of wood or something,' he said.
He noticed his awning rattling, but before he could assess the situation, a massive tree in his front yard snapped, taking several power lines down with it.
'The wind was so loud when it passed by that I couldn't tell what was happening,' he explained.
This morning, Eaton discovered that shingles had been ripped from his roof and scattered across his lawn, also damaging his back patio. He showed Channel 11 the extent of the damage.
Hulton Road between Allegheny Avenue and 5th Street in Oakmont will remain closed as residents wait for electricity to be restored.
'To be quite honest, we haven't seen anyone from the power company since the storm. I know Duquesne Light is busy elsewhere, although they claim Oakmont is one of the major areas affected,' Eaton said.
Despite the destruction, Eaton considers himself fortunate, stating, 'Honestly, I told my wife that we are very lucky; we have minimal damage compared to what could have happened.'
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
Play suspended during final round of U.S. Open in Oakmont because of dangerous weather
U.S. Open Play has stopped because of dangerous weather in Oakmont. TRACK THE RAIN WITH OUR INTERACTIVE RADAR Play was suspended at 4:01 p.m. A Flash Flood Warning was issued for Allegheny County Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Play will resume on Channel 11 as soon as the suspension is lifted. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Widespread, mostly light rain expected for most of Saturday
Plan for damp and muddy conditions if headed to the US Open on Saturday morning. The rain will be more widespread but, for the most part, pretty light. The steadiest rain will set up from roughly Pittsburgh points north, with a Flood Watch in effect for counties along I-80 until 4 p.m. TRACK THE RAIN WITH OUR INTERACTIVE RADAR There will be some breaks today, but additional showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and early evening. While rain can't be ruled out anywhere, it appears the highest risk for heavy rain and lightning will be south of Pittsburgh. After a break tonight, additional scattered showers are expected on Sunday. Not everyone will see them, but any rain that does develop will be very slow-moving, which may lead to a localized flood threat. We should see a relative lull in the rainfall on Monday, but more humidity and daily chances for thunderstorms will return for the middle of next week. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Wet weekend expected, washout not likely
The weekend will not be a washout, but it will be wet at times, so plan ahead before heading outdoors and take the rain gear if you're heading to Oakmont. Showers and a rumble of thunder will keep most of the area damp through lunchtime Saturday with a few pockets of moderate rain possible. The steadiest rain will lift north of Pittsburgh through early afternoon leaving some drier hours, but another round of pop-up storms will disrupt your evening. Storms on Saturday evening will be widely scattered and may set up south of Pittsburgh so not everyone will get wet, but any storm that develops could bring pockets of heavy rain. A similar pattern Sunday will keep wet weather around off and on through the day with the heaviest rain focused south of Pittsburgh. Make sure you check the latest forecast on Channel 11 News. Get the latest updates and alerts on the U.S. Open forecast on the Severe Weather Team 11 app. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
