Morning Roundup: Bad air quality day; crash in North Braddock; boat rescue

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Monday, July 8:

Poor air quality

The state Department of Environmental Protection said air quality would be poor in the Pittsburgh region Monday as high temperatures are expected to be about 10 degrees higher than average.

Temperatures above 90 degrees combined with sunny skies will contribute to ozone development during the afternoon hours. Ozone is a gas found in the atmosphere that can be affected by heat and sunlight, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The notice is in effect for Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh said the heat index will be in the mid- to upper-90s around the area for a couple days.

A couple of hot days are in store beginning today, with most of us in the 90s. This is ~10 degrees above average for early July. Heat indices will be in the mid/upper 90s across the region. Make sure you're staying hydrated outdoors! pic.twitter.com/6Va8xwY4VY

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) July 8, 2024

Five healthy active living centers will double as cooling centers Monday and Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The following centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Beechview, Greenfield, Homewood, Sheraden and South Side.

Westmoreland County residents can dial 211 to get information from the United Way about the nearest cooling center.

The DEP’s alert that Monday would be an Air Quality Action Day with an air quality index of orange means the air will contain pollution levels that can be unhealthy for sensitive groups of people. That can include children and elderly people, as well as those with respiratory issues. They should limit outdoor activities, according to the agency.

Others can contribute to reducing air pollution by conserving electricity, reducing vehicle trips, limiting engine idling and refueling after dusk.

Crash in North Braddock

Swissvale police reportedly were investigating an incident Monday in North Braddock that resulted in a crash on Hawkins Avenue, according to Trib news partner WTAE.

Several people were transported to hospitals from the scene around 2:30 a.m. A witness reported seeing a man in handcuffs and another man being rescued from a vehicle, the station reported. No information had been released by police.

HOV lanes closed

High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on the Parkway North are closed Monday for system upgrades, according to PennDOT safety press officer Steve Cowan.

The lanes are expected to reopen Tuesday.

The lanes are designed to reduce traffic congestion by promoting ride-sharing. All vehicles using the HOV lanes must have at least two people in them between 6 and 10 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Boat rescue

Two people were rescued from the Monongahela River over the weekend after their boat capsized in West Elizabeth, according to Elizabeth Borough Volunteer Fire Company.

They were not hurt in the Saturday incident, according to a social media post. The pair and the boat they were in were ferried to safety by firefighters.