A massive tree tore down power lines on Harrow Avenue in Oakley late Aug. 11, sending sparks and fire across the pavement and leaving families unable to leave their block until Duke Energy crews arrived Wednesday.
Video shared from the scene showed the downed line sparking and exploding. Neighbors watched the wires arc and catch fire after severe storms swept through Greater Cincinnati that evening, WLWT reported.
The lines stayed down all night.
By Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, the downed wires still physically blocked residents from driving out. Duke Energy crews worked through the day to clear the debris and restore service.
The Harrow Avenue scene was one piece of widespread destruction across Oakley and the east side. At the peak of Tuesday's storms, roughly 26,000 customers in the Oakley and Norwood areas alone lost power, part of about 45,000 outages on Cincinnati's east side, according to WCPO. Regionwide, more than 180,000 Duke Energy customers lost electricity Tuesday night.
As we reported Wednesday, more than 59,000 Hamilton County customers remained without power into the next day.
Duke mobilizes 1,000 outside workers
Duke Energy storm director Andy Cassidy said the damage exceeded expectations. "We've been monitoring this storm system and were prepared. Even so, we've seen an even greater impact and significant damage than anticipated across the region," Cassidy said in a statement Tuesday.
The utility brought in more than 1,000 additional line workers, tree trimmers, damage assessors and support personnel from outside Ohio and Kentucky. Cassidy warned customers to prepare for extended outages, particularly where crews must rebuild sections of the electric system. Fallen trees, broken utility poles and damaged equipment have slowed restoration across the service area.
This marks the second major weather event to hit Oakley in less than a month, following flash flooding on July 17 that prompted a community meeting at MadTree Brewing on Aug. 5.
What residents should do
Cincinnati residents with storm damage can call 311 or use the 311 app to request debris removal. The Department of Public Services is collecting small curbside debris through Aug. 15, though collections may be delayed.
Residents should stay away from downed or sagging power lines and consider all wires energized. To report outages, call Duke Energy at 1-800-543-5599 or text REG to 57801 for status updates.
SNAP recipients who lost food due to power outages may apply for replacement benefits within 10 days of the loss by Aug. 21.
