Power outages across the Pittsburgh region stemming from Tuesday’s destructive storms had fallen to about 72,000, according to power utilities Duquesne Light and West Penn Power.
Duquesne Light said it expects to restore power to all of its customers by 11 p.m. Tuesday, but that most customers are expected to have their power back on sooner.
As of Saturday morning, Duquesne Light was reporting about 54,400 customers without power, with about 51,600 of those in Allegheny County and 2,700 in Beaver County.
Duquesne Light was reporting just over 34,400 customers out in Pittsburgh, and about 5,700 in the North Hills. There were about 2,300 out in Coraopolis, 1,100 each in Monroeville and Oakmont and 830 in Sewickley.
West Penn Power parent company First Energy was reporting just over 17,000 customers out.
Alle-Kiski Valley hit hard
The majority of its affected customers, about 4,600, were in Armstrong County. That included about 800 in Kiski Township, 630 in Parks Township, 420 in Bethel, 330 in Burrell Township, 320 in Manor Township, 310 in South Buffalo, and 220 each in Gilpin and Apollo.
There were about 3,700 outages reported in Westmoreland County. That included about 740 in Washington Township, 620 in Allegheny Township, 330 in Upper Burrell, 310 in Lower Burrell, 280 in New Kensington, 250 in Bell Township, and 180 in Murrysville.
The just over 1,300 West Penn Power customers in Allegheny County still out were concentrated in the A-K Valley — about 490 in West Deer, 240 in Harmar, 150 in Frazer, 110 in Fawn, 80 in Harrison, 70 in Indiana Township and 40 in Springdale Township.
Elsewhere, the utility reported just over 2,000 in Indiana County, about 1,200 in Washington County, and just over 600 in Butler County.
First Energy said customers without power can pick up free water and ice at several locations, including Giant Eagle stores.
Duquesne Light cautioned that there are still many hazards around the area, including downed wires, poles and trees. Residents should not remove caution tape or move barricades, and should stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines.
In the City of Pittsburgh, power outages had fallen from 140,000 in the immediate wake of the storm to just over 36,500 Saturday morning, according to Mayor Ed Gainey’s office.
Of 70 traffic signals that were impacted by power outages, 65 have been restored to normal operation.
Pittsburgh public works crews are working closely with Duquesne Light to remove trees as soon as they are cleared of power lines.
Gainey declared a disaster emergency on Wednesday. On Friday, he submitted legislation to City Council to ratify and extend the disaster emergency declaration until May 30 to encompass all clean up efforts and damage assessments.
Hours have been extended at senior and recreation centers for recharging phones and other power needs.
Public works is offering Pittsburgh residents debris drop off from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fees will be waived for residents, but not contractors.
Locations that will accept debris:
• East End, 6814 Hamilton Ave.
• Hazelwood, 40 Melanchton St.
• West End, 1330 Hassler St.
• Highland Park, 6520 Stanton Ave.