COLUMBUS, Ohio — More than 34,000 AEP Ohio customers are without power as strong storms move through central Ohio Tuesday afternoon.
According to the AEP Ohio outage map, more than 7,500 customers in Franklin County are without power. Over 6,700 Fairfield County customers are without power and more than 2,500 customers in Licking County are also without power.
South Central Power is reporting that about 1,100 Fairfield County customers do not have power.
The storms brought rain and powerful wind gusts near 60 mph.
All of central Ohio is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 7 p.m. Several counties were under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at some point during the afternoon.
View the latest alerts here.
There could also be some pop-up storms between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. as well.
To view the AEP Ohio outage map, click here.
AEP has offered the following tips on how to stay prepared and handle a possible outage:
- Put together an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a radio, first aid kit, medications, portable chargers, extra cash and maps of the surrounding area.
- Keep away from downed wires and report hazards through the AEP Ohio mobile app, call 911 and AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- 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.
- For the health and safety of AEP Ohio crews, please stay at least 6 feet away from our employees, vehicles and equipment.
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