Central Ohio Power Outages: 45,000+ Affected by Strong Winds

More than 45,000 AEP Ohio customers in central Ohio are without power as strong winds move through the area on Friday. The outages are being caused by winds that are knocking down tree branches and in some cases, entire trees.

Outage Breakdown

As of 3:56 p.m., the following counties report the following number of outages:

  • Franklin: 24,916
  • Delaware: 9,617
  • Fairfield: 4,729
  • Licking: 3,402
  • Crawford: 1,415

Several other counties are reporting outages in the hundreds.

Did You Know? Tanger Outlets has temporarily closed due to a power outage.

Wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible throughout the day, and these winds could pose a danger to high-profile vehicles and cause minor damage to trees or structures.

Expert Insight: Widespread power outages during periods of high wind are common, as trees and aging infrastructure are particularly vulnerable. The scale of these outages—affecting over 45,000 customers—highlights the potential for significant disruption to daily life and the importance of preparedness.

A High Wind Warning is in effect for most of central Ohio through 8 p.m. Or midnight, depending on the county. AEP Ohio’s outage map can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is causing the power outages?

The high winds are knocking down tree branches, or entire trees in some cases, according to AEP Ohio.

Which counties are most affected?

As of 3:56 p.m., Franklin County has the most reported outages, with 24,916 customers without power.

Where can I find more information?

A full list of weather alerts can be found here.

As restoration efforts begin, how will residents manage without power, and what steps can be taken to prepare for similar events in the future?

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