As we’ve seen so far this season, spring weather is proving to be very unpredictable. While all 125,000 customers affected by last week’s storm have been restored, crews are already preparing for yet another weather event to hit beginning tomorrow evening.
AEP METEOROLOGIST REPORT: AT-A-GLANCE
Our meteorologists are monitoring yet another strong low-pressure system expected to move across the Great Lakes on Saturday — they believe it's likely that another highly impactful event may unfold again, particularly in Southeast Ohio. Below are key takeaways as to how this system could impact AEP Ohio customers:
- Organized severe thunderstorms are possible along the cold front with embedded damaging wind gusts expected Friday evening and night across the state. The greatest risk for significant utility problems comes with widespread, frequent strong wind gusts Saturday morning through evening.
- Confidence is highest for another multi-day restoration event in our highly forested, more sensitive territories in Southeast Ohio.
- Areas that get many hours of sunshine on Saturday may get peak wind gusts over 60 mph.
- Cloud cover and location of strongest winds aloft bring uncertainties to strength of wind gusts in Northern Ohio.
Note: Changes to the threat areas and intensities of wind gusts are still possible as weather models begin to come into more agreement over the next 36 hours.
FAQS
Does AEP Ohio do anything to help reduce power outages ahead of windstorms?
One of the biggest causes of outages due to a windstorm is fallen trees and branches. AEP Ohio has a comprehensive, year-round tree maintenance program to help manage trees and brush that grow near or around our power lines and equipment. When storms do bring down trees, our foresters 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.
Why can’t you put electric lines underground to avoid outages from wind damage?
Many factors go into determining whether power lines are buried. There are pros and cons to both overhead and underground lines. While overhead lines are more vulnerable to damage from weather elements, issues with underground lines often take longer to find and repair — often resulting in extended power outages compared to overhead lines. It's our goal to find the best solution to provide reliable power to the communities we serve.
SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REMINDERS
NOTE: We strongly encourage customers with life-supporting medical equipment to have a backup power source and an alternate plan in the event of a power outage.
As we get ready for the latest incoming weather, you too can prepare yourself and your loved ones by following these tips:
- Develop an emergency preparedness plan for you and your family. Contact family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or have a medical condition — and don’t forget to include your pets in your planning.
- Assemble or refresh an emergency kit that includes (at minimum) non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, any necessary medications, fully charged portable chargers, extra cash and maps of your area.
- Remember to secure any loose objects outside of your home such as furniture, umbrellas or trampolines that could become airborne in strong winds.
STAY CONNECTED
Customers can receive the latest alerts and information and should:
NEXT UPDATE
If there are significant changes to the forecast, we’ll update you by noon tomorrow. If outages occur, updates will be provided during the weather event.
Be assured that our team is prepared. If severe weather causes outages, our crews will work to restore power as quickly and safely as they can.