City Officials Announce Even More Road Closures Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft City officials have finalized the third and final phase of road closures ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the most extensive traffic adjustments to date. The Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee, in collaboration with PennDOT, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit, announced the closures as part of a broader effort to transform Downtown and the North Shore into a pedestrian-friendly event space. These changes will take effect from April 22 to April 26, coinciding with the draft events. The updated closures include a comprehensive list of roads and highways, adding to the previously announced Phase 1 and Phase 2 restrictions. Key affected areas include Allegheny Avenue from Ridge Avenue, North Shore Drive between Chuck Noll Way and Mazeroski Way, West General Robinson Street, and Lacock Street from Federal Street. Federal Street will also be closed between Lacock Street and its intersection with other major thoroughfares. Additional closures span major highways such as I-279 Southbound and Northbound Exit 1B ramps, Rt 65 Southbound and Northbound ramps near the Fort Duquesne Bridge, and the T1 ramp connecting Reedsdale Street and Ridge Avenue. The 6th Street Bridge (Roberto Clemente), 7th Street Bridge (Andy Warhol), and Ft Pitt Bridge on the 10th Street Bypass and Ft. Duquesne Blvd will also be closed. Commonwealth Place, Liberty Ave Extension, Penn Avenue between Stanwix Street and 9th Street, and the Liberty Ave/PPG Paints Arena Exit off the Ft Pitt Bridge are among the other locations impacted. Smithfield St. Bridge is also included in the closures.#allegheny_county #pittsburgh_local_organizing_committee #pennDOT #city_of_pittsburgh #pittsburgh_regional_transit
Tornado watch for Pittsburgh area expires as severe weather begins to move out A tornado watch issued for most of the Pittsburgh area has expired after being in effect for Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland counties until 11 p.m. Thursday. The warning also extended to parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. A separate flash flood warning remains active for central Allegheny County until 12:45 a.m. Friday, while a tornado warning for parts of Mercer and Lawrence counties, along with sections of Ohio, expired earlier Thursday evening. Severe storms are expected to impact the Pittsburgh region later Thursday evening, with damaging winds, large hail, and flooding posing the primary threats. While rotation could develop, the National Weather Service noted that conditions may not reach the level of a confirmed tornado. Temperatures during the day had climbed into the 70s, providing favorable conditions for storm development. Currently, scattered severe thunderstorms are possible across much of the area, rated at level 2 out of 5 on the severity scale. The area with numerous severe thunderstorms, level 3, is approaching, with the best storm ingredients likely positioned just west of Pittsburgh. However, attention must remain on any activity near the state line. Storms are expected to arrive in northern counties between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., moving southward toward Pittsburgh by 10 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. From there, they will continue pushing southward. Overnight, heavy rain remains a possibility, increasing the risk of flash flooding. As rainwater drains into creeks and streams, river levels could rise, with the Ohio River at the Point potentially cresting around 18 feet. This level would result in water reaching the Mon Wharf.#national_weather_service #pittsburgh #allegheny_county #ohio_river #mon_wharf
Rain & Flood Warning for the AM Commute Heavy rain is expected to continue through the early morning hours, with an areal flood warning in effect until 7:15 a.m. The region, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Indiana, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, is facing significant flooding risks as 1-2 inches of rain have already fallen. Rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas are already experiencing or are at risk of flooding. The weather system will bring persistent rainfall during the early part of the day, followed by gradually clearing skies and cooler temperatures. Highs are projected to reach the mid to upper 40s by afternoon, with overnight lows dropping to around 25 degrees. The weekend will remain dry and cool, with temperatures in the 40s on Saturday and mid-50s on Sunday. Skies will be mostly sunny or partly cloudy throughout the weekend. A warming trend is anticipated for the final days of March, with rain chances returning next week as temperatures rise. Today’s forecast includes a severe weather alert, with early morning rain transitioning to cooler conditions and partial clearing by afternoon. Tonight will feature mostly clear skies and cold temperatures. The flood warning highlights the immediate danger of rising water levels in flood-prone areas, urging residents to avoid low-lying regions and follow local advisories. While the rain is expected to ease by midday, the lingering cool temperatures will continue to impact the morning commute and daily activities. The National Weather Service has issued alerts to ensure public safety, emphasizing the need for caution during this period of heavy precipitation and potential flooding.#national_weather_service #beaver_county #armstrong_county #allegheny_county #fayette_county
