COLUMBUS, OH — AEP Ohio crews are entering their fourth day of around-the-clock restoration efforts following a massive windstorm on Friday, March 13, that officials are calling the most damaging event to the state’s electrical infrastructure since 2012.
At the peak of the storm, which saw wind gusts reach a staggering 70 mph in Columbus and up to 85 mph in other parts of the state, approximately 250,000 customers were left without power.
Progress and Delays
As of Monday morning, March 16, 2026, the number of outages has been significantly reduced, but thousands in Central Ohio are still waiting for the lights to come back on.
- Delaware County: Significant outages remain, causing Delaware City Schools to operate on a two-hour delay this morning due to lack of power at multiple buildings.
- Franklin County: While tens of thousands have been restored, nearly 2,500 customers in the Columbus area are still in the dark as crews tackle “individual service” repairs—the most time-consuming part of the process.
- Knox and Licking Counties: These areas remain among the hardest hit in Central Ohio, with combined outages still numbering in the thousands.
A “Brute Force” Cleanup
AEP Ohio has deployed over 2,700 personnel, including line crews, tree trimmers, and support staff. Additional mutual aid has arrived from Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia to assist local teams.
“About 90% of the damage was caused by trees toppled by Friday’s severe winds,” AEP Ohio stated in a morning update. Crews are currently “picking their way through downed trees and debris” to reach damaged poles and transformers, a process made difficult by blocked rural roads and saturated ground.
School and Community Impact
Beyond Delaware, the outages have disrupted daily life across the region:
- Tanger Outlets and the Franklin County Courthouse both experienced temporary closures over the weekend due to power loss.
- Westerville Electric Division reported that some repairs in their service area were delayed due to “broken cross arms,” requiring specialized equipment.
Safety and Reporting
AEP Ohio urges residents to remain vigilant. With a new line of storms bringing 45–55 mph gusts to Northwestern Ohio today, additional scattered outages are possible.
- Downed Lines: Always assume a downed line is energized. Stay at least 30 feet away and call 911 or AEP at 1-800-672-2231.
- Generators: Ensure generators are used outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Current Outage Breakdown (As of 9:00 AM, March 16)
| County | Estimated Outages |
| Franklin | ~2,382 |
| Delaware | ~4,309 |
| Licking | ~635 |
| Knox | ~1,468 |
