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Severe storms caused more than 261,000 Duke Energy outages across Greater Cincinnati this week. Duke Energy said crews restored 222,653 outages, or about 85 percent, by Thursday afternoon. About 38,861 outages remained, including more than 32,000 in Ohio and more than 6,000 in Kentucky.
More than 261,000 customers lost power during the storms, according to Duke Energy.
The company said crews had restored 222,653 outages by Thursday afternoon.
The restoration effort followed storms that brought damaging winds, fallen trees and widespread utility damage across the Cincinnati region. FOX19 reported that more than 49,000 Duke Energy customers remained without power around 9 a.m. Thursday.
By 4 p.m. Thursday, Duke reported 38,861 remaining outages. That total included 32,485 customers in Ohio and 6,376 in Kentucky.
Duke Energy outages decline after widespread storm damage
Duke Energy crews have worked around the clock since the storms struck Tuesday. The company brought additional workers into Greater Cincinnati to speed up repairs.
More than 2,000 lineworkers, tree trimmers and other storm personnel joined the restoration effort. Workers from Indiana and the Carolinas also traveled to the region to assist local crews.
The damage created several challenges for utility workers. Crews encountered fallen trees, blocked roads, damaged poles and downed power lines.
FOX19 reported that many of the remaining outages involved broken poles, damaged equipment or downed lines. Those repairs can require additional time because crews must first assess the damage and secure the area.
Duke Energy storm director Andy Cassidy said crews had made substantial progress but still faced significant restoration work. He also thanked customers for their patience while workers continued repairs.
According to FOX19, Duke spokesman Matt Martin said the majority of remaining outages resulted from debris or snapped utility poles. Martin urged residents to stay away from downed lines because they could remain energized.
Duke Energy outages hit Ohio and Northern Kentucky
The storm-related outages affected communities throughout southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Hamilton and Clermont counties were among the hardest-hit areas during the initial restoration effort.
FOX19 reported Thursday morning that Greater Cincinnati accounted for 40,407 of the more than 49,000 remaining outages. Another 8,651 outages affected Northern Kentucky at that time.
The outage totals changed throughout Thursday as crews restored service. Duke’s later update showed fewer than 39,000 remaining outages by 4 p.m.
The rapid change demonstrates how quickly outage totals can shift during a major restoration operation. Customers can receive different estimated restoration times as crews complete damage assessments.
Duke also said many customers could regain service earlier than the estimated restoration times displayed on its outage map. However, some customers with severe infrastructure damage could require more extensive repairs.
Customers can check the latest outage information through Duke Energy’s outage map and receive restoration updates through the company’s alert system.
Storm damage creates difficult restoration work
The storms caused extensive damage to the electric system across the region. High winds played a major role in bringing down trees and power lines.
FOX19 reported that crews found downed lines and damaged utility poles in several communities. Some roads also remained blocked while crews and emergency personnel worked at damaged locations.
In Green Township, downed power lines closed Boomer Road, according to FOX19. The report said traffic signals at one intersection also remained out.
Residents across the region dealt with prolonged outages following Tuesday’s storms. Some households used generators or other backup measures while waiting for electricity to return.
The outages also affected schools and businesses. FOX19 previously reported that several school districts experienced closures or delays because of storm damage and power problems.
Newport Independent Schools, for example, postponed the first day of school after widespread power outages and storm debris created safety concerns. The district later said electricity returned to Newport High School around 5 a.m. Wednesday.
Duke Energy outages prompt safety warnings
Duke Energy continues to urge residents to avoid downed or sagging power lines. Lines can remain energized even when nearby homes or businesses have lost electricity.
Residents should report dangerous electrical conditions to emergency responders and Duke Energy. People should also avoid touching trees, vehicles or other objects that may have contacted a power line.
The company has also reminded customers to use generators safely. Generators should operate outdoors and away from windows, doors and other openings.
Residents should also treat intersections with nonworking traffic signals as four-way stops. Utility trucks and emergency vehicles may need additional room to reach damaged areas.
Customers can report a Duke Energy outage by texting OUT to 57801. They can also use the company’s mobile app or automated outage reporting system.
The National Weather Service also provides current weather warnings and safety information for the region.
Duke Energy outages expected to continue declining
Duke Energy expects restoration work to continue until all customers who can safely receive service regain electricity. The company said many customers should see service restored before the estimated times shown on its outage map.
However, the restoration timeline can vary based on the type and severity of damage. Broken poles, damaged equipment and inaccessible lines can take longer to repair.
The company has expanded its workforce to address the remaining outages. Outside crews from other Duke Energy service areas are helping local workers complete repairs.
FOX19 reported Thursday that Duke had restored power for more than 200,000 customers in less than 48 hours. The additional crews were brought in as tens of thousands of customers remained without service.
The latest figures show the scale of the restoration effort after one of the region’s largest recent storm-related outages. More than 260,000 customers experienced a power interruption during the storm event.
Duke Energy customers should continue checking the company’s outage map for individual restoration estimates. Those estimates can change as crews complete inspections and identify additional damage.
What Cincinnati residents should know about power restoration
Duke Energy outages may continue to affect some customers even after most service has returned. Restoration crews must address remaining damage before electricity can safely return to every affected location.
Customers who still lack electricity should check their individual outage status through Duke Energy. They should also report outages if their service has not been restored.
Residents should not approach downed lines or damaged electrical equipment. Anyone who encounters an immediate electrical hazard should contact emergency services.
Duke Energy said restoration crews will continue working as quickly and safely as possible. The company also expects many customers to receive service sooner than their initial estimated restoration times.
The latest restoration figures represent a significant decline from the peak outage total. Still, thousands of customers remained without power Thursday as crews worked to complete repairs across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
FAQs
How many Duke Energy outages occurred in Greater Cincinnati?
More than 261,000 customers lost power during the severe storms. Duke Energy restored about 85 percent of those outages by Thursday afternoon.
How many customers remained without power?
Duke Energy reported 38,861 remaining outages at 4 p.m. Thursday. The total included 32,485 customers in Ohio and 6,376 in Kentucky.
When will Cincinnati power outages be restored?
Duke Energy said it expected to restore service to all customers who could safely receive power by the end of Thursday. Some customers could regain service sooner than the estimated restoration times shown on the outage map.
How many workers are restoring power?
More than 2,000 lineworkers, tree trimmers and other storm workers joined the restoration effort. Duke Energy brought crews from Indiana and the Carolinas to help with repairs.
