Officials warn of ice jams, perhaps flooding near Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Emergency officials are warning of the dangers of ice jams and possible flooding on rivers near Pittsburgh.

Allegheny County officials say the cold weather has caused a buildup of ice and ice jams primarily on the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. The Allegheny River ice jam begins at the Springdale/Plum area and extends upriver past the Tarentum Bridge. The ice jam on the Ohio River begins at the Emsworth Dam and extends upriver.

More rain and warmer temperatures this weekend increase the risk that ice jams may break up or begin to flow.

Officials are also dealing with last weekend’s breakaway barges on the Ohio River. The Coast Guard says 25 of 27 barges have been located and the other two are believed to be above the Emsworth Lock and Dam.