Overnight Storm Causes Power Outages for Thousands in Ohio, More Rain and Flooding Expected
Columbus, OH – Ohio is under a flood watch until Sunday after a severe overnight storm moved through the Midwest, bringing continuous rain and the potential for more flooding throughout the weekend.
As of Thursday morning, more than 18,000 AEP Ohio customers were without power, a result of the overnight storm’s impact. The flood watch now covers at least 55 counties in southern, central, and northwestern Ohio.
Ohio Counties Affected by Flood Watch:
The flood watch includes central Ohio’s 32 counties: Adams, Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Highland, Hocking, Licking, Logan, Madison, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Ross, Scioto, Shelby, Union, and Warren.
Continued Rain and Storms:
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms will hit the region Thursday evening through Friday morning, with flooding and flash flooding being the primary concerns. Winds and river flooding are secondary threats. A tornado watch had been issued for central Ohio late Wednesday, expiring early Thursday.
Rainfall Predictions and Storm Impact:
Between Wednesday and Sunday, central Ohio could see between 4 and 6 inches of rain, with individual storms bringing 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rain. As of 6:30 a.m. Thursday, AEP Ohio reported widespread outages, particularly in Franklin and Morgan counties.
Highway Closures Due to Storm Debris:
Storm debris closed lanes on several roads in central Ohio, including State Route 38 and State Route 310, due to fallen trees and utility lines. Flooding also briefly closed State Route 315 near downtown Columbus.
Tornadoes in the Cincinnati Area:
The NWS confirmed tornadoes struck parts of southern Ohio, including northern Brown County, southeast Clinton County, and northeastern Clinton County. More tornado activity was reported in Fayette County.
Catastrophic Storms Impacting the Midwest:
The ongoing storm, described as “catastrophic” by the NWS, is causing life-threatening flash flooding and tornadoes across the Midwest and southern U.S. The lower Ohio River valley, which includes parts of Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas, is expected to receive up to 15 inches of rain.
Understanding Weather Alerts:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Issued when severe thunderstorms are possible, including winds of 58 mph or more and/or hail over 1 inch.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Issued when a storm is imminent or occurring.
- Tornado Watch: Issued when tornadoes are possible in the area.
- Tornado Warning: Issued when a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar.
- Tornado Emergency: Issued when a tornado is confirmed to be on the ground, causing damage.
Power Outage Tracking in Ohio:
AEP Ohio provides real-time outage maps, and customers can report outages online or by calling 800-672-2231. Other utilities in central Ohio, such as Columbus Division of Power and FirstEnergy, also provide outage maps and reporting services.
Central Ohio Weekend Weather Forecast:
- Thursday Night: 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with lows around 50°F. New rainfall amounts between 0.75 and 1 inch expected.
- Friday: 80% chance of rain, with highs near 60°F. New rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.5 inches expected.
- Saturday: 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with highs around 72°F. Rainfall between 0.5 and 0.75 inches expected.
- Sunday: Showers likely before 2 p.m., with highs near 51°F. Precipitation chance is 80%, with a 30% chance of showers Sunday night.
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