Issue
What the 2025 windstorm exposed about emergency response, power outages, and preparedness.
City Council
Some city residents went nine days without power after the April 29 storm. Five months later, a Duquesne Light official told council the storm did more damage than the company usually sees in a year. The company will invest $2.7 billion over five years, he added. Still, a state utility commission official said burying most city power lines won't be feasible.
City Council
After the April 29 storm, a top priority is getting generators into every fire, EMS, and police station. Three council members said they weren't kept informed after the storm and had no point person to contact. One suggested naming a council member to receive and share information in emergencies. So far, the city has doubled its supply of oxygen tanks that work without power.
City Council
During the April 29 storm, overloaded cell networks left 911 effectively out of reach. On July 23, city and county officials briefed council on the storm response. A county emergency chief said the region's 911 systems got 25,000 calls in the first four hours, Pennsylvania's usual daily total. Next, council will hear about Duquesne Light's response on Sept. 18.
City Council
The City's disaster emergency declaration now runs until May 30. It allows waiving contract rules, clearing fallen trees on private property, and documenting the response for possible State or federal aid. Meanwhile, residents can drop off yard waste at City sites for free. A council member worried about misuse, and the deputy mayor promised a public record of all purchases.
City Council
Residents had trouble reaching 911 during the storm because heavy call volume overwhelmed the phone network. Despite early reports, the County's 911 system itself didn't go down. For now, the deputy mayor has given Council early feedback on the City's response. A full review with Duquesne Light and others will follow once the emergency ends.