Signs of extensive storm damage still visible as tens of thousands remain without power
By Megan Mitchell
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CINCINNATI (WLWT) — Power remains out for tens of thousands of homes and businesses more than 36 hours after a derecho hit Greater Cincinnati.
As of 6:45 a.m. Thursday, more than 49,800 Duke Energy customers remain in the dark. Even more are without power who get their power through services like Owen Electric.
With rain on the way Thursday afternoon and evening, restoration efforts could be slowed. Some outages have not yet been assigned crews.
In Green Township, a power pole is still blocking Boomer Road, along with trees and branch debris.
Similar scenes can be seen across Cincinnati’s West Side, like on Epworth Avenue in Westwood, where downed power lines and trees were seen overnight.
For many places, it could be a while before power is back on. Neighbors aren’t expecting a quick fix.
“I don’t see it happening any time soon,” said Green Township resident Steve Calardo. “In fact, if and when Duke Energy gets here, we won’t have it right away because the line to our home has been taken down by the trees, if you see the power line down there. So we’ll have to be very careful when they do turn the power back on.”
“Fortunately, we were able to take the food to my stepson’s house and kind of left everything there for now, so we’re fortunate to have that ability,” Dan Evans, who also lives in Green Township, said. “But some people are losing hundreds or more in food just in their freezers and fridges.”
If you are still without power, experts say you should throw away any perishable food still in your refrigerator or freezer.
SNAP benefit recipients might be eligible for replacements, but you have less than 10 days to file an application with Ohio Jobs and Family Services. See Ohio’s JFS website for more details.
For those using generators to keep the lights on, keep them outside, dry and away from windows.
The Hartwell Recreation Center will be providing food and shelter to those who are in need while the power remains out.
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