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PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - What's happening this week to produce the strong thunderstorms, high winds, and hail we've been experiencing in the Pittsburgh area?
Blame it on the jet stream that dips down to New Mexico and Texas then makes a strong turn north bringing warm temperatures and Gulf moisture to the Midwest.
Accuweather's Heather Zehr says the same pattern exists Wednesday and won’t end until the weekend.
“It might not be quest as vigorous as what occurred (Tuesday),” said Zehr. “Of course (Tuesday’s) was the same (storms) that had caused the tornados near the Dayton area, so we knew that one was particularly nasty.”
Strong tornadoes hit north of Pittsburgh May 31, 1985, the Johnstown flood was May 31, 1889.
And with the heavy rain comes flooded basements and they are not only a mess, but they also present health threats.
Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker told Larry and John on KDKA Radio standing water may contain sewage.
“Our concerns are all about any kind of infectious diseases obviously tetanus making sure people have had their tetanus shots and then after the water is gone, the issue of mold,” said Hacker
Mold can cause respiratory issues, especially for people with allergies or asthma. The EPA suggests drying out damp areas within 48 hours and cleaning all visible mold.
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