Allegheny County this evening declared a disaster emergency as a result of Wednesday night's floods, which caused major damage to homes, roads, bridges, public property, sewer systems and culverts.

The county's declaration at 4:30 p.m. comes as officials await the possibility of more heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow morning.

Among the areas hardest hit Wednesday were Churchill, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Pitcairn, Turtle Creek, White Oak, Wilkins, and Wilkinsburg. Those municipalities have already declared their own disaster emergencies.

"The amount and extent of damage sustained to homes and businesses, as well as the number of municipalities affected, warrants the declaration," county spokesman Kevin Evanto said.

The declaration allows the county to bypass contract procedures to hire temporary workers, rent equipment and buy needed supplies, Mr. Evanto said.

Westmoreland County made a similar emergency declaration yesterday while crews assessed storm damage.