OHIO — This afternoon, Ohio residents are experiencing widespread power outages as the remnants of Hurricane Helene sweep across the Buckeye State. Utility companies are actively working to restore service to affected areas, with significant outages reported across several counties.
According to American Electric Power (AEP), the hardest-hit areas in the Scioto Valley include Scioto County, which has seen over 6,500 customers without power, followed by Ross County with nearly 2,000 outages. Jackson County is also facing substantial disruptions, with approximately 1,090 customers affected. Other counties reporting outages include Athens (1,410) and Pickaway (fewer than 5).
South Central Power is also facing challenges, with Pike County reporting 734 outages, Ross County with 624, and Hocking County experiencing 503. Smaller outages are noted in Scioto (243), Vinton (184), and Pickaway (102).
Buckeye Rural Electric reports additional outages, particularly in Jackson County, where around 1,304 customers are without service. Other affected areas include Athens (241), Pike (455), Ross (27), Scioto (84), and Vinton (980).
Utility crews are mobilized and working diligently to restore power as quickly as possible, but residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for continued impacts from the storm.