Multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to begin later today across AEP Ohio’s service territory. Numerous severe storms are expected throughout Ohio this afternoon and tonight. A few could bring damaging winds of 60 to 70 miles per hour that could lead to power outages. Tornadoes are possible.
In southern Ohio, another round of storms is forecast Wednesday late afternoon and night.
WEATHER TIMING
| Areas |
Weather Event |
Probability |
Time |
| Northwest Ohio |
Numerous severe thunderstorms, a few tornadoes possible |
90% |
5 to 11 p.m. today |
| Columbus & Canton |
Numerous severe thunderstorms, a few tornadoes possible |
90% |
7 p.m. to midnight today |
| Eastern Ohio |
Numerous severe thunderstorms, a few tornadoes possible |
80% |
8 p.m. today to 1 a.m. overnight |
| Southern Ohio |
Numerous severe thunderstorms, a few tornadoes possible |
80% |
10 p.m. today to 3 a.m. overnight |
NOTE: Changes to the forecast, threat areas, timeframes and intensities are possible.
SAFETY REMINDERS
As severe weather approaches, now is the time to make plans and prepare for what you’ll do if there’s a power outage. Follow these tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
- Develop or review an emergency preparedness plan for you and your family. Contact relatives, friends and neighbors who are elderly or have a medical condition to make sure they also have a plan. Don’t forget to include your pets in your planning.
- Assemble an emergency kit that includes (at minimum) non-perishable food, water, batteries, a flashlight, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, any necessary medications, fully charged portable chargers, extra cash and maps of your area.
- Secure any loose objects outside of your home such as furniture, umbrellas or trampolines that could become airborne in strong winds.
- Follow your local forecast for the latest updates on weather conditions and timing.
Remember to stay as far away as possible from downed lines and anything they may be touching. Call 911 and report any safety hazards through the AEP Ohio mobile app or by calling us at (800) 672-2231.
STAYING CONNECTED
To receive the latest alerts and information, customers should:
REMINDER: Make sure we have your most recent contact information at AEPOhio.com/Account
FAQs
Does AEP Ohio do anything to help reduce power outages ahead of high winds?
One of the biggest causes of outages due to high winds is fallen trees and branches that bring down power lines. 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 AEP Ohio 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 — 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.
NEXT UPDATE
Updates will be provided at AEPOhio.com and through other communication channels as needed.
As always, our crews will work to restore power safely and as quickly as they can if outages occur.