Cleveland, OH
‘Worst Since 2012’: 226,000 still without power in Ohio after major windstorm
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Utility officials are calling the aftermath of yesterday’s windstorm the most significant blow to the region’s electrical grid in over a decade, as crews work to restore power to hundreds of thousands of customers across Ohio.
Update: 3:10 p.m. – Outage maps for AEP show thousands of customers remain without power as work continues to restore service. PowerOutages.com reports 228,000 are without power in Ohio, including 31,000 in Franklin County.
Update: 1:24 p.m. – With wind gusts peaking at 70 mph, the damage to infrastructure across 61 counties is being described as the worst since the 2012 derecho. The high winds sent trees, heavy limbs, and debris tearing through power lines and snapping utility poles throughout the night.
As of Saturday morning, utility providers reported that electricity has been restored to approximately 80,000 customers. However, with 245,000 still in the dark — including 36,000 in Franklin County — a massive logistical operation is underway.
More than 2,700 personnel are currently in the field conducting damage assessments and providing restoration estimates. Officials confirmed that additional teams from sister companies and national partners are en route to Central Ohio to assist in the recovery.
Update: 12:25 p.m. – American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio crews are working to restore power to thousands of residents Saturday following a line of severe windstorms that swept through the region yesterday.
As of 12:25 p.m., repair efforts are concentrated on the Canal Winchester substation, which sustained significant structural damage during the storm. Utility officials stated that technicians are on-site performing emergency repairs to the high-voltage equipment.
Restoration Timeline
While outages remain scattered across Central Ohio, the utility provided the following updates for the hardest-hit areas:
- Canal Winchester: Most customers in this area are expected to have service restored by early Saturday afternoon.
- Greater Columbus Area: Crews remain deployed across all service territories.
- Final Restoration: Work will continue around the clock until power is returned to every individual household and business.
Original Reporting
More than 350,000 Ohioans are waking up Saturday morning with no power.
As of about 11 a.m. Saturday, the website PowerOutage.com reports that 304,813 are without power.
Franklin County has the largest number of outages — approximately 50,000, followed by Cuyahoga, near Cleveland, with about 43,000.
Click here for the statewide outage map.
Larry Ray Duffield, age 51, passed away on May 17, 2026. He was born on May 19, 1974, in Cleveland, Ohio, to his loving parents, James E. and Patty M. Carr. Beloved father of Emily, Victoria, Lauren Rae, and Olivia. Cherished grandfather of Kate, Boston, Frankie Jr., Addison, John, Oliver, Dean, Ezra, Elias, Lovely, Revel III, and Andrew. Dear brother of Keith (Crystal) and Sabrina. Treasured uncle of Brittany, Cameron, Courtney, Jerry, Kyle, Brooke, Jann Jr., Jalani, and Leilani.
Ray was an ASC certified mechanic with a degree in HVAC Heating and Cooling. Gifted with his hands and able to fix just about anything, he was also an excellent painter and proudly lived up to the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” He enjoyed helping others whenever he could and was known for his hardworking nature, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh.
Above all else, Ray’s greatest love in life was his family. He loved them deeply, irrevocably, and unconditionally, and treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. His presence, love, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Funeral Directors 13115 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Riverside Cemetery 3607 Pearl Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 1:45 p.m.).
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has officially finished their Central Security Checkpoint Expansion Project.
According to a press release from the airport, the project doubles the number of security screening lines and the size of the guest queueing space. They also said it streamlines the CLEAR screening area.
“The Central Checkpoint expansion helps improve the guest experience and reduce congestion at the ticketing level while supporting current passenger needs ahead of future headhouse renovations under CLEvolution, the airport’s long-term vision for modernization, with the Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP) serving as its cornerstone,” the release reads.
The airport is also reminding travelers that the airports near the central checkpoint were recently remodeled, opening in November of last year. The price tag for the checkpoint expansion project was $4.8 million, and the restrooms were $1.3 million.
“These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the existing terminal while enhancing accessibility, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience as we move forward with CLEvolution and the Terminal Modernization Development Program,” said Bryant L. Francis, director of Port Control. “Reconfiguring and expanding the Central Checkpoint allows us to better accommodate passenger demand today while preparing the airport for future growth.”
Ramona Rodriguez Rivera, age 76, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1949, in Comerio, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents, the late Ramon Rodriguez and Carmen Rivera.
Beloved mother of Juan Alberto Alejandro, Juan Antonio Alejandro, and Jose Ramon Rivera. Cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Dear sister, treasured aunt, and loving mother-in-law.
Ramona loved to cook and sing Christian music, bringing joy and comfort to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. until time of Service at 11:30 a.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
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