As COVID-19 cases rise in Western Pennsylvania, local doctors advise taking a COVID test if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat. Despite lower numbers compared to the pandemic's peak, cases in Allegheny County have increased since June. The CDC's updated guidelines allow return to work or school after being fever-free for 24 hours and recommend masking for five days. Home tests are useful but may require multiple tests for accuracy. Vaccination remains crucial to reduce severe infections and deaths, with updated vaccines expected this fall.
Residents in western Pennsylvania witnessed the solar eclipse, with Pittsburgh experiencing 97% totality and Erie expecting up to 200,000 visitors. Pymatuning State Park, northeastern Ohio, and Cleveland were popular destinations for viewing the eclipse, with observers noting the unique reactions of wildlife and the darkening of the skies. The event drew people from various locations, including Pittsburgh Pirates players and University of Pittsburgh students, who were eager to witness the rare celestial occurrence.
Large swaths of Pittsburgh are submerged under water as extensive flooding hits Western Pennsylvania, prompting emergency response efforts to address the widespread damage and assist affected residents.
Heavy rainfall in Western Pennsylvania has led to flooding concerns, with the entire region under a flood warning until 3:45 p.m. as rivers continue to rise. Additional rainfall is expected to exacerbate the situation, with scattered showers and colder temperatures forecasted. The Mon Wharf parking is closed, and several roads, including the "bathtub" section of westbound I-376, are affected by flooding.
The future of Philips Respironics, a significant contributor to Western Pennsylvania's economy, is uncertain, raising questions about its impact on the region. The company, which specializes in sleep apnea and respiratory care products, has faced challenges such as product recalls and regulatory issues, leading to speculation about potential changes in ownership or operations.
In the 2023 Western Pennsylvania election, Democrat Sara Innamorato won the race for Allegheny County executive, while incumbent Stephen A. Zappala Jr. led in the battle for Allegheny County district attorney. In Westmoreland County, Republicans Sean Kertes and Doug Chew were reelected as commissioners, and the "We aRe Norwin" slate of Democratic candidates took the lead in the Norwin School Board race. Overall, voter turnout was slow in many polling places.
The Week 10 WPIAL Friday Night High School Football Scoreboard in Western Pennsylvania saw several exciting matchups and final scores. Highlights include Penn Hills defeating Woodland Hills, North Allegheny defeating Seneca Valley, West Mifflin dominating South Park, and Imani Christian winning against Yough. The playoffs are approaching, and teams are vying for their spots in the postseason.
The "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse will not be visible from western Pennsylvania due to clouds and rain, but there will be another opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse next year on April 8, 2024. Western Pennsylvania is in the path to see totality, making it a rare sight in the region.
The largest health insurers in Western Pennsylvania are seeking rate hikes for 2024 that are above the statewide average, potentially impacting the affordability of health insurance for residents in the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 6 p.m. for Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties in Western Pennsylvania, as well as parts of West Virginia and Ohio. Today is a First Alert Weather Day with strong to severe storms expected, including the possibility of hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. Tuesday will be cooler with showers, while Wednesday is expected to have mostly sunny skies.
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee was the only 'no' vote in Western Pennsylvania to raise the debt ceiling, although she supports the compromise. The House approved the bipartisan deal that raises the debt limit until January 2025. The agreement changes requirements for SNAP benefits and rescinds billions of dollars in IRS and unused COVID-19 funding. Rep. Chris Deluzio, the other Democratic representative from Western Pennsylvania, voted yes. Republican representatives from the region also voted yes.
The 2023 Gene Kelly Awards will honor high school musicals in Western Pennsylvania, recognizing the talent and hard work of young performers in the region's performing arts programs.
Western Pennsylvania is experiencing an Impact Day with high winds and thunderstorms causing downed trees and power lines, resulting in power outages for over 114,000 customers. Wind gusts up to 60 mph are expected, and a high wind warning is in effect until 8 p.m. for southwest and western Pennsylvania. Rain showers will start the day, followed by a clearing of skies until the cold front arrives. Temperatures will rise to the low 60s by 1 p.m., then dip into the 50s by late afternoon behind the front. Sunday will bring sunshine and calmer weather to end the weekend.
