Jun 18, 2009 7:07 pm US/Eastern
Storms, Flooding Devastate Turtle Creek Residents
TURTLE CREEK (KDKA) ―
Turtle Creek was, by far, the area that suffered the most damage from the storms that swept across the area on Wednesday night.
Officials say 34 people ended up spending the night at a shelter set up by the Red Cross. The majority of those people are now back in their homes today and beginning to assess and clean the damage.
But there are also concerns on the minds of residents about more potential rain to come.
"You never forget it. Every time storms light up on the map, we are worried about it," said Turtle Creek Mayor Adam Forgie.
"It was devastating. I couldn't believe it," said Tawana Hill, who was forced to flee her home to escape rising flood waters during the storm. "The water was rushing over the wall, and then coming in about five, six feet."
Down the road, Anthony Caputo's home had an entire wall blown out of it.
"It's totaled. It is non-livable," said Caputo. "They won't let us stay in it."
Meanwhile, higher ground in the area proved little help as a raging torrent ripped the front off of a home and sent the roof down onto Electric Avenue and onto the Triboro Expressway about a quarter mile away.
Also, one pick-up truck ripped down a fence, and then the vehicle floated into a yard. Another truck ended up smashing into an apartment building.
But those were just two of the dozens of vehicles damaged in an amazing display of nature's quick power and fury.
Local businesses are cleaning and drying out too, including a swimming pool company on Electric Avenue and the Electric Avenue Café.
"Lots of clean up ahead of us; all of our street department is out. The fire department will be here helping to clean out the streets," said Forgie. "We have called the county for help, and they are sending help on the way, as far as street cleaners and those types of things. But it is a real mess."
Turtle Creek has declared a state of emergency.
Stay with KDKA for the latest details.
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