Power outages from Helene hit over 120,000 in Ohio, over 8,000 in Licking County
More than 8,000 people in Licking County are among more than 120,000 across Ohio without power Friday afternoon as the remnants of tropical storm Helene brought strong winds and rain into the state.
The heaviest outages are in southern and southwestern Ohio where Helene's remnants struck first as they pushed northward from the South.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind alert for Licking, Fairfield and Franklin counties, with eastern winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts of up to 60 mph possible, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Up to 1.5 inches of rain are also possible with the storm.
Wind speeds are expected to peak Friday afternoon before gradually decreasing into the early evening hours.
The wind-blown rain made for a rough afternoon rush, likely contributing to some of the many minor crashes around central Ohio and knocking down power lines in some areas.
As of 5 p.m., American Electric Power Ohio reported more than 8,000 power outages in Licking County.
Tropical Storm Helene made landfall in Florida late Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane with 140-mph winds, USA Today previously reported. Dozens of storm-related deaths have been reported in multiple states across the southeastern United States, as well as significant damage to homes and businesses and severe flooding.
More: Cincinnati area under high wind warning thanks to Helene. Here's how to protect yourself
How to check power outages in Newark, Licking County
American Electric Power customers can check its online map for outage information. The company can also be contacted at 1-800-672-2231 to check outage status or report an outage, according to AEP's website.
Dispatch reporters Bethany Bruner and Shahid Meighan contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Tropical Storm Helene knocks out power to more than 120,000 across Ohio
