Editor's note:
This story was updated to include comment from FirstEnergy on when the repairs may be completed.
As of 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, more than 338,000 FirstEnergy customers statewide, about 16% of the company’s customers, are still without power following Tuesday’s late-afternoon storms.
In Akron, more than 300 customers were without electricity, with more than 1,800 in Summit County overall.
Northeast Ohio counties remained under a severe thunderstorm watch until 7 p.m. Tuesday night as thunderstorms crossed the area. By the time the warning cleared, Highland Square had more than 1,500 outages. Between 100 and 500 residents in West Akron and Summit Lake also had outages, along with between 500 and 1,500 locations in Kenmore.
Hotspots of fewer than 100 outages continued to persist as of noon Wednesday. According to the outage map, crews dispatched across the city cited equipment and tree damage as the causes.
FirstEnergy says most customers should get power back by Friday at 5 p.m.
A press release from FirstEnergy said that tree- and flood-related damage from the storm caused “hundreds of broken poles and crossarms, downed power lines, and fallen trees and debris blocking road access.”
The crews’ primary focus is to remove hazards and assess damage before focusing the repairs in areas with the largest number of customers. Then they will move on to more isolated issues, the release stated.
For the majority of customers, power is expected to be restored by Friday, Aug. 9 at 5 p.m., according to the outage map, although the press release said that some people should prepare to be without power possibly through the weekend.
While there are no more specific updates as of now, customers can report their outages online to receive personal updates.
FirstEnergy stated its personnel will work 16-hour shifts around the clock to finish the repairs as quickly as possible. The company has also requested help from contractor line and tree crews
What should you do if your power is out?
First, check to see if the outage only affects you or if your neighbors’ power is out as well. Report the outage online, text “OUT” to 544487 (LIGHTS), or call 1-888-544-4877.
If you see a downed power line, call 911 immediately and avoid the area.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed so food can stay insulated for as long as possible. Unplug all other appliances – including televisions and computers – to safeguard them and ease the initial load when your power returns.
During thunderstorm outages like Tuesday’s, do not take a shower or bath as the current from a lightning strike can travel through the water pipes.
How can you prepare for future outages?
FirstEnergy recommends keeping a few things on hand for power outages:
- Car charger to charge devices
- Flashlight(s)
- Portable radio
- Extra batteries
- Extra blankets or sleeping bags
- First-aid kit
- Emergency supply of bottled water
- Supply of food that does not require cooking
