Franklin County energy outages: Over 20,000 reported

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — 1000’s of persons are with out energy as sturdy storms transfer by way of central Ohio on Saturday afternoon and into the night.

As of 6 a.m. Sunday, AEP Ohio is reporting that greater than 3,600 outages are in Franklin County. There are additionally some outages in Ross and Madison counties. AEP mentioned the areas which have been most impacted by outages included northeast, northwest and southwest Columbus.

Practically 25,000 outages in Franklin County and round 1,500 outages in Licking County have been reported through the storm system’s peak, in response to AEP.

The reason for the ability outages is suspected to be extreme climate passing by way of the world, inflicting timber to fall and harm tools, the corporate mentioned. Nevertheless, crews are nonetheless investigating the complete extent of the harm to find out how a lot of it was weather-related.

The corporate gives the next security ideas for residents:

• Watch out when assessing any storm harm whereas exterior. Tree particles and different storm harm could also be concealing any downed wires.

• Keep away so far as potential from downed wires and something they could be touching. Name 911 and name AEP Ohio instantly.

All energy in Franklin County ought to be restored by 11 p.m., in response to AEP.

Storm protection just isn’t anticipated to be widespread, however some communities will see transient downpours, gusty winds, thunder and lightning. The 10TV Climate Impression group mentioned the extreme climate risk is low, however one or two storms might produce damaging winds and fast heavy rain accumulation.

You possibly can view the outage map right here.

AEP has provided the next tips about keep ready and deal with a potential outage:

•  Put collectively an emergency equipment that features non-perishable meals, water, flashlights, batteries, a radio, first support equipment, drugs, moveable chargers, additional money and maps of the encircling space. 
• Avoid downed wires and report hazards by way of the AEP Ohio cell app, name 911 and AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
• Don’t try to take away tree limbs or particles inside 10 ft of an influence line.
• Limbs, leaves and different objects moved by the wind and ice build-up might conceal downed wires. Examine your environment earlier than attempting to scrub up any particles.
• Notify AEP Ohio when you’re utilizing a generator. This protects you and our lineworkers as they work to revive energy.
• By no means function lanterns, heaters or fuel-fired stoves with out correct air flow.
• Unplug main home equipment to guard them when energy is restored.
• Refuel heaters, lamps and mills exterior and away from any flames or sparks. Wipe up spilled gasoline instantly.
• By no means burn charcoal indoors — it releases toxic carbon monoxide.
• For the well being and security of AEP Ohio crews, please keep at the very least 6 ft away from our workers, automobiles and tools.                  

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