Severe Thunderstorms Strike Central Ohio
COLUMBUS -- Hundreds-of-thousands of central Ohioans are without power, after a line of severe thunderstorms pounded the region Friday evening, damaging several homes and vehicles.
Winds in excess of 80 mph uprooted trees, flipped cars, and knocked down utility poles and power lines as the area received some much needed rain -- but in a manner that surely went unappreciated by many of those affected.
The storms hit Delaware county at approximately 4:45 p.m., then quickly made their way south, striking the Columbus area approximately 15 minutes later.
The system then headed southeast, bringing rain, lightning, and strong wind to several counties -- including Coshocton, where a tornado warning was briefly issued.
AEP crews immediately began working to restore services to more than 240,000 customers left without power as the storms moved through their communities.
Damage estimates have not yet been made available, but the hurricane-strength wind certainly left its mark, collapsing roofs, ripping off siding, and causing trees and utility poles to slam into the homes and vehicles.
The storms' lone reported serious injury occurred on Hamilton Road in the Gahanna area, where a man's leg was severed by a falling pole. The victim was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, and is expected to survive.
No other serious injuries have been reported.
The storms have managed to provide temporary relief from the sweltering heat that has affected the area recently, with temperatures settling into the 70's Friday night.
But ABC 6/FOX 28 Chief Meteorologist Bill Kelly says central Ohioans should not expect that respite to continue into Saturday, when temperatures are expected to reach the 90's, accompanied by high humidity levels.
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Web Producer: Ken HinesPosted: Friday, June 29 2012, 11:31 PM EDT
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