Power outages likely with overnight storms

Isolated wind gusts of up to 80 mph are expected with a line of storms that will move through the area overnight.

Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson said wind speeds are expected to be similar to the storm last June 29 that knocked out power for more than 200,000 local customers.

During the Hurricane Ike-related windstorm in 2009, winds reached between 70 and 75 mph, but were much more sustained leading to more widespread damage. 1.9 million customers statewide lost power at the peak of that storm.

Local energy contacts to report or monitor outages:

FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison):  firstenergycorp.com, 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), follow @OhioEdison on Twitter

Duke Energy:  duke-energy.com, Ohio and Kentucky 1-800-543-5599, Indiana 1-800-343-3525, @DukeEnergyStorm on Twitter or facebook.com/DukeEnergyStorm

Dayton Power & Light:  dpandl.com, 1-877-4OUTAGE (1-877-468-8243), @DPLToday on Twitter

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel issued some general guidelines for all power customers should the power go out.

  • If your power should go out, but you have internet access, you should notify your utility through its online system. For some utilities, the online systems are the fastest ways to process outage information;
  • Monitor your and others' health (especially for the elderly) in hot and humid weather;
  • Unplug electronics until service is restored to avoid a potential power surge;
  • If you are running a generator, disconnect it when repair crews are at work in your area, for their protection;
  • Stay away from downed wires, which can be still connected to electricity, and report them and other damage to utility equipment immediately to the local electric company;
  • Stay away from flooded basements, even if the power is off;
  • Use a battery-powered lantern instead of candles, which may present a danger because of open flames. And, locate extra batteries for flashlights and portable radios;
  • Limit the number of times the refrigerator or freezer is opened and place perishable foods in a cooler packed with ice;
  • Stock foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration.

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