Pittsburgh mayor declares emergency for flooding

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravensthal has declared a state of emergency as the city and surrounding areas prepare for possible flooding in the coming days.

Ravenstahl made the declaration today. Heavy rains are expected Friday and into the weekend and combined with melting snow is creating the potential for rising waters.

Ravenstahl says the emergency declaration will help the city more easily marshal resources if needed.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch today for all of southwestern Pennsylvania.