University Times

The ferocious winds and rain that knocked down trees and power lines throughout the Pittsburgh area June 30 did minimal damage to the University, according to a Facilities Management spokesperson.

Curt Graham, manager of grounds and trades, said that the most serious damage was to the Allegheny Observatory roof, where a small section was shattered by high winds.

At the Primate Research Center in Plum Borough, two trees were felled by winds, knocking out power for four days. There was no property damage, however.

The University's mailroom, located on Melwood Street, was without power for about 36 hours. Mail service was interrupted for one day.

Two windows in Falk School were blown out, but were repaired within a couple hours, Graham said.

The University's Child Development Center on Clyde Street lost power for about two hours. "Once power was restored at the primate center, we were back fully operational throughout the University by Saturday [July 4] night," Graham said.

The storm's monetary damage assessment is incomplete at this point, Graham said.

Despite the recent rash of heavy storms in the area, Pitt has remained relatively unscathed. "We had such a mild winter, with no problems there, that we're actually ahead of the game from years past, in terms of damage," Graham said.

According to Graham, a major factor keeping damage to a minimum is that the University has made a conscious effort over the past several years to install new utilities underground.

–Peter Hart