Gusting winds of up to 60 mph have caused scattered outages through our service territory. As of 1:00 p.m., more than 13,000 AEP Ohio customers are currently without power as a result of Winter Storm Elliott. Crews worked overnight on power outages, with fresh crews arriving this morning to continue assessing damage and when possible restoring power. Crews have made steady progress restoring power; however, ongoing winds continue to create new outages. For customers currently without power, please know our men and women are working as quickly as they safely can.
Treacherous road conditions, lingering wind gusts and extreme wind chills are creating challenges for our crews and slowing restoration efforts.
Our meteorology team is continuing to closely monitor weather conditions — with a second round of high winds expected this afternoon and into tonight likely causing additional power outages.
Updates will continue throughout the weather event at AEPOhio.com and through other communication channels.
WARMING CENTERS & SHELTERS
As local organizations continue to establish warming centers and shelters, additional details and locations will be added to AEPOhio.com/OutageMap.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My power is out. Why do I see your lineworkers just sitting in front of my house?
There are many reasons why a lineworker is in their vehicle. Given today’s subzero temperatures, it’s very possible that the lineworker is taking a much-needed break to prevent frostbite or hypothermia. Field personnel may also be in a vehicle to complete a safety briefing, to communicate back with our dispatch center, coordinate materials needed to restore power or take a meal break. We assure you that all field personnel have a goal of restoring your power as quickly and safely as possible.
Should I call AEP Ohio to report my power outage?
Immediately after a major storm like this, we ask that you report only safety hazards such as downed power lines or equipment that is sparking. Often, we’re already aware of damage to our systems such as transmission lines and distribution circuits. Your calls help us focus resources on hazards that are not automatically picked up by our monitoring systems.
What should customers do if they see downed lines?
Don’t touch it or anything near it. Even telephone or cable lines can become energized. Keep yourself and others far away and call 911 and AEP Ohio immediately at (800) 672-2231.
If a downed line is touching your vehicle, stay put and call 911. It’s important that you don’t exit the vehicle unless you’re in imminent danger. Honk the horn, roll down your window and make sure to tell passersby not to come near the vehicle. If you have to exit a vehicle that has come in contact with downed lines, remove loose items of clothing, jump clear of the vehicle, landing with both feet together. Keep your feet together and shuffle or “bunny hop” away from the car. View a video demonstration here.
How does AEP Ohio handle tree damage?
Our tree crews are among the first responders as they work to safely clear trees from our lines and equipment and move to the next location as quickly as possible to allow our line crews to restore power. We do not remove cut trees or limbs during emergency power restoration. In these instances, property owners are responsible for removing tree debris.
Don’t attempt to remove tree limbs or debris yourself if it is within 10 feet of a power line. Also, if you notice downed lines or sparking equipment, stay far away and call 911 and AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
STAY CONNECTED
Customers can receive the latest alerts and information and should:
CONTINUED REMINDERS: ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who are elderly, have small children or have a medical condition.
- Limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind and ice build-up could hide downed wires. Investigate your surroundings before trying to clean up any debris.
- Notify AEP Ohio if you’re using a generator. This protects you and our lineworkers as they work to restore power.
- Never operate lanterns, heaters or fuel-fired stoves without proper ventilation.
- Unplug major appliances to protect them when power is restored.
- Refuel heaters, lamps and generators outside and away from any flames or sparks. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
- Never burn charcoal indoors — it releases poisonous carbon monoxide.
- If on the roadway, remember to take it slow and increase your following distance so you'll have time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
- For the health and safety of AEP Ohio crews, please stay at least 6 feet away from our employees, vehicles and equipment.
NEXT UPDATE
We’ll continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. If there is new information to communicate, we’ll provide an additional update by 7 p.m. Otherwise, the next update will be provided around noon tomorrow. Updates will also be provided throughout the weather event at AEPOhio.com and other communication channels.