EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated at 4:50 p.m. Friday to update the number of customers dealing with power outages in Ashland County.
ASHLAND COUNTY — Hold on to your hats, folks.
Or better yet — stay inside.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for several Ohio counties, including Richland, Ashland, Knox, Morrow and Crawford.
The warning is in effect until 8 p.m. this evening. Expect southwest to west winds between 25 and 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 to 70 miles per hour.
The NWS predicts damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages and making for difficult travel.
Residents should remain in the lower levels of their home if possible and avoid windows.
Stay alert for falling debris and tree limbs and use caution if you must drive.
Ashland County power outages
Ohio Edison, a FirstEnergy Company, is currently reporting 245,265 customers are without power across the state as of 4:48 p.m. Friday.
Ohio Edison is reporting 3,340 customers in Ashland County are included in the outage as of 4:48 p.m., according to FirstEnergy’s outage map. There is currently no estimated restoration time available, as crews are currently assessing damage, according to the outage map.
AEP Ohio is currently reporting 720 Ashland County customers are without power, as of 4:50 p.m. There is currently no estimated restoration time listed on AEP Ohio’s website as crews continue to assess conditions.
As of 4:49 p.m., Firelands Electric Cooperative reported 1,397 of its customers in Ashland County are currently without power, according to its outage map.
Below are photos from downtown Ashland on Friday evening showing traffic signals impacted by power outages and roof shingles scattered throughout the downtown area. Photos courtesy of Adam Fox.
