Winds as high as 60 mph gust through campus, cause power outages

Madeleine Winer

With gusts of wind as strong as 60 mph today, both the Kent State main campus and local business have experienced power outages.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning in effect for Northeast Ohio until 10 p.m. tonight. The warning said a strong cold front crossing the area this afternoon will cause intense winds and increase the chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Power outages are also being reported in areas around Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Columbus, Akron and Cleveland.

The National Weather Service has wind advisories issued for most areas of Ohio through late Monday night. So far, no major damage has been reported in the state, according to the National Weather Service.

Electric company Duke Energy reports that about 20,000 customers were without power in Cincinnati and its neighboring counties. American Electric Power reports about 11,000 were without power around Columbus and Franklin County, according to AP news reports.

The National Weather Service advises residents to have working flashlights and move loose outdoor objects like lawn chairs inside.

Contact Madeleine Winer at [email protected].