COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Crews with AEP Ohio continue working to restore power to thousands of customers following a powerful windstorm Friday.
Utility officials said about 28,000 customers remain without electricity, while more than 220,000 outages have already been restored since the storm moved through the region.
More than 4,000 crew members are currently in the field repairing damaged lines and equipment, with additional workers arriving from other states to assist with restoration efforts.
In a message to customers, Marc Reitter said crews will continue working safely and as quickly as possible until power is restored to all affected customers.
Meanwhile, meteorologists with American Electric Power are monitoring additional weather moving across the state that could bring strong winds and possible severe storms. Northwestern Ohio has already seen new outages caused by wind gusts, which could reach between 60 and 75 miles per hour and may include isolated tornadoes.
Officials say the storms are expected to weaken somewhat as they move across the rest of AEP’s service territory before daybreak.
AEP is also reminding residents to take precautions if severe weather occurs, including securing loose outdoor items, staying away from downed power lines and using generators or fuel-powered equipment only in well-ventilated areas.
Customers who see a downed power line are urged to stay away and report it immediately by calling 911 or contacting AEP Ohio.
Area Power Update 3/16/26 11AM
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Licking County: 870 outages
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Tuscarawas County: 3,469 outages
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Muskingum County: 310 outages
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Guernsey County: 1,294 outages
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Coshocton County: 1,252 outages
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Perry County: 8 outages
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Noble County: 8 outages
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Belmont County: 501 outages
Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by AVC News
