Morning Roundup: Severe weather in forecast; Pittsburgh Zoo seeks aid after tornado

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Wednesday, May 22:

Severe weather forecast in Southwestern Pa.

Severe weather is possible in Southwestern Pennsylvania this afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The region, along with parts of northwest West Virginia and eastern Ohio, is at a “slight risk” of severe weather, meaning an increased confidence in severe storms occurring, and a few could be significant.

Storms could start as early as 1 or 2 p.m., with a break in the evening before a second round coming around midnight into early Thursday, according to meteorologist Ashley Dougherty, with TribLive news partner WTAE. Heavy rain should be east of Pittsburgh by 5 a.m. Thursday.

Damaging wind remains the main threat with any strong storm. Hail and an isolated tornado are also possible, with the tornado threat north of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Zoo asks for help with tornado cleanup cost

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is asking for help paying for cleanup costs after a tornado caused damage last week.

A tornado struck the zoo Friday.

According to the zoo, strong winds toppled trees and damaged enclosures.

“An event of this magnitude resulted in unexpected expenses,” the zoo said on Instagram. “The zoo relies on support from its generous donors to care for our animals and their habitats. Contributions of any size would make a major difference at this time.”

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Donations can be made on the zoo’s website.

Pittsburgh police find missing girl

A missing 13-year-old girl has been found and is safe, Pittsburgh police said.

Aliesha Gentry was reported missing after last being seen Tuesday, police said.

Gentry was the second 13-year-old Pittsburgh police have reported as missing in two days. Desiree Pryor, 13, was last seen Friday in the Manchester neighborhood.

Pryor was still missing as of Thursday.

Squishing bug leads to crash

An insect crawling on a driver is being cited as the cause of a two-vehicle crash Tuesday in Butler County.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, Jonathan J. Albright, 31, of Butler was driving on Oneida Valley Road in Washington Township around 2:25 p.m. when he noticed an insect crawling on him.

When Albright looked down to “squish” it, he drove his SUV into the oncoming lane, hitting a pickup driven by Charles W. Davis, 35, of Mercer.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and no injuries were reported, state police said.