Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Flood Watch Lifted, Boaters Advisory Issued in Pittsburgh

5/24/2026

45 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. National Weather Service lifted the flood watch early Thursday.
It also issued a boaters advisory for fast currents and debris in Pittsburgh.
Overnight rain of 1–2 inches left slick roads and scattered showers.
An extra 0.3–0.75 inch is forecast Saturday, with brief ponding in low-lying areas.
Temperatures will stay in the lower 60s Saturday, with drier, milder weather expected by Memorial Day Monday.

History

Historical Context

In March 1936, rapid snow melt and torrential rain caused the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers to surge, peaking at about 46 feet on March 18—the worst flood in Pittsburgh’s history. The disaster damaged steel mills, left tens of thousands homeless and prompted federal flood-control legislation that later funded the Kinzua Dam. Today’s rain alerts echo those 1936 warnings.

1 of 2

Story summary

The U.S. National Weather Service lifted the flood watch early Thursday.
It also issued a boaters advisory for fast currents and debris in Pittsburgh.
Overnight rain of 1–2 inches left slick roads and scattered showers.
An extra 0.3–0.75 inch is forecast Saturday, with brief ponding in low-lying areas.
Temperatures will stay in the lower 60s Saturday, with drier, milder weather expected by Memorial Day Monday.

1 / 2