Dangerous, life-threatening cold has spread over much of the Northern Plains, Midwest and parts of the Northeast, with another surge of Arctic air expected to drop wind chills close to minus 40 degrees later this week—leaving some places in the Lower 48 colder than Alaska. After a brief reprieve Wednesday for the Northeast, the season’s most bone-chilling air will race into the Northern Plains and Midwest by Thursday. Low temperatures will drop into the single digits and teens across much of the Upper Midwest on Wednesday; Detroit is expected to reach a high of only 6 degrees.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The winter weather is beginning to cause havoc for residents in the Northeast as freezing temperatures begin to freeze Pittsburgh’s water intake.
This morning, officials with Pittsburgh Water noticed ice forming in the Allegheny River, blocking the city’s water intake into the treatment plant.
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According to officials at Pittsburgh Water, the ice blockage is restricting capacity and preventing normal pumping operations within the city’s service area, especially in high-elevation neighborhoods.
These types of treatment plants are used to clean water of harmful germs and chemicals from rivers, lakes or reservoirs for drinking water.
PITTSBURGH – AUGUST 25: View of Fort Duquesne Bridge, Roberto Clemente Bridge, Andy Warhol Bridge, Rachel Carson Bridge and 16th Street Bridge over the Allegheny River as photographed from Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 25, 2016.
(Raymond Boyd / Getty Images)
After about 45 minutes of initial treatment with emergency responders, they were able to clear some ice formation at the water intake. A barge and tugboat are en route and plan on being used to support the ice-breaking efforts.
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Conditions have steadily improved since efforts began, according to officials.
Pittsburgh city officials will provide more updates as they become available. Check back for the latest news.
