This story will not receive any more live updates as of 11:30 a.m. Sunday. For the latest on AEP outages, check the map below.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — More than 13,000 AEP Ohio customers in Ohio remain without power Sunday morning due to powerful storms that moved through the region Saturday morning and afternoon.
As of 11:30 a.m., Franklin County outages are nearly fully restored with less than 150 customers without power. That number surpassed 6,000 customers at one point Saturday afternoon.
AEP is reporting 650 outages across the state, affecting 13,891 customers, down from a high of 75,000-plus customers. Licking County is reporting 109 customers without service. Other central Ohio locations are reporting fewer than 500 outages each, according to the AEP outage map.
AEP representatives said the Canton area in Stark County to the east is the hardest hit, reporting 8,546 customers without power, the most in the state.
There are still many outages in central Ohio being assessed by AEP crews, which needs to be done before service restoration can be estimated, according to the company’s outage tracking map.
“Customers without power in the hardest hit areas will likely see a status of ‘assessing’ until crews are able to determine the severity of the damage,” AEP wrote in a Saturday evening update.” This process takes time, especially in more rural areas where the terrain may make it more difficult to reach and repair damaged equipment. Once crews have completed their assessment, customers can expect to receive an updated estimated restoration time.”
AEP customers can report an outage by clicking here or by calling 1-800-672-2231.
AEP Ohio says more than 2,000 workers are ready to go to work on restorations. About 600 of those workers have traveled in from out of state.
“If your power is out, you know, prepare,” said AEP Ohio Customer Experience Manager Jay Garrett. “We can’t guarantee the restoration time. We will communicate that to you as soon as we are aware of when you will have your power restored. But safety is our biggest concern right now. We want everyone to be safe, both the crews and our customers, so if you have any down wires on your property or near your house, give us a call.”
AEP representatives said crews have been working 16-hour shifts since Friday night in order to get power back on, dealing with downed power lines and trees and vehicle accidents Saturday.
“We’ve seen anything from some strong straight-line winds that have brought poles, wires and trees down to vehicle accidents,” Garrett said. “You name it, our crews are out there working on all kinds of damage.”
South Central Power is reporting 197 customers without power as of 10:45 p.m.
Much of central Ohio was under a high wind warning Saturday, with Delaware and Union county both having overnight tornado warnings that lasted for approximately 15 minutes at around 2 a.m.
Garrett said it is officially storm season in Ohio, so it is important customers are getting their emergency plans in place.
“Have an emergency kit, make sure your homes are ready, whether it be tying down patio furniture, trampolines, whatever it might be,” he said. “If you need medications or medical equipment, just prepare for any event of a power outage because they are very impactful for our customers.”
This marks the second consecutive Saturday that numerous central Ohioans are left without power due to high wind speeds. Last week, as many as 126,000 AEP Ohio customers were left without power in the region with some not having it restored for multiple days.
For the latest forecast from Storm Team 4, click here.