WESTMORELAND COUNTY — The sound of chain saws shattered the morning air in Mount Pleasant Township as people continued cleaning up from severe weather.
“It was pretty loud, like a train coming through but you couldn’t see anything. It was completely blacked out out, the windows,” said Kelly Orischak.
“We had 12 calls in 30 minutes; and that time of day is very short on manpower people coming home from work, so we reached out to the companies surrounding us,” said Hecla Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Meloy.
“We had everything from small vehicle accidents, gas leaks; wires and trees and poles down,” Meloy said.
Channel 11 found roads still closed after storms brought down utility lines and massive trees. Along Hecla Road, neighbors were still trying to get ahold of one homeowner who had multiple trees pummeled and knocked down on his property. It caused extensive damage to the garage and house.
Officials with the National Weather Service said they believe the damage was caused by a downburst. The strong winds coupled with the soggy soil from heavy rains meant trees could fall over much easier.
The National Weather Service believes all of this damage was caused by a downburst — and said with the recent heavy rains, trees can come down much easier.
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