UPDATE: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Peters

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning and watch for the area on Wednesday.

A watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 miles per hour could be passing through.

Approximately 18,000 Duquesne Light Co. customers were experiencing power outages this afternoon after strong storms pushed through the region.

About 13,000 customers have been brought back online since the height of the storms. As of 6 p.m., 5,000 customers remained out of service.

Joey Vallarian, Duquesne Light spokesman, said these customers are scattered throughout the service territory. Line workers, tree crews and other support personnel are out in full force cleaning up the damage from the storms, he said.

Duquesne Light reminds customers that downed wires are a safety hazard and should be avoided.  They pose the danger of electrical shock and injury.  Residents are advised to not drive over or go near downed wires.

Residents are also asked to please report any outages by calling Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7000or by visiting www.duquesnelight.com.

Report winds, hail or wind damage to the National Weather Service at 1-877-633-6772.

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