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FirstEnergy power outages are currently affecting thousands of residents across Northeast Ohio as severe winds sweep through the state.
Utility crews are mobilizing to assess damage and restore service while FirstEnergy power outages continue to be reported in Summit, Cuyahoga, and Portage counties.
The severe weather system moving through the Great Lakes region has brought damaging wind gusts to much of Ohio, leaving thousands in the dark this Monday morning.
According to FirstEnergy’s outage map, as of 9 a.m. on Monday, 20,698 customers in the state are currently without electricity. The outages are largely concentrated in the northeastern corner of the state, where gusts have been recorded between 50 and 60 mph.
Current numbers on FirstEnergy power outages
As of Monday morning, the number of customers affected by FirstEnergy power outages has climbed steadily. Summit County appears to be the hardest hit, with approximately 5,000 homes and businesses offline. Portage County follows with over 2,500 outages, and Cuyahoga County is reporting nearly 2,000 affected customers.
Smaller clusters of outages are scattered throughout Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lorain counties. FirstEnergy has indicated that the primary cause is wind-related damage, including downed trees and limbs striking power lines. Restoration times remain fluid as crews work against ongoing gusts that make bucket truck operations dangerous.
Residents are advised to check the official FirstEnergy outage map for real-time updates on their specific location. The utility company prioritizes repairs that restore power to the largest number of customers first, such as main distribution lines and substations, before addressing individual service drops.
Ohio Turnpike issues travel ban
Various reports confirmed that due to the hazardous conditions, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has implemented a travel restriction for certain high-profile vehicles. The ban went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, and is scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m. the same day, though officials note this could change based on weather patterns.
According to News5 Cleveland, a travel ban has been issued for specific vehicles on the turnpike due to weather conditions. Officials note that these restrictions will be constantly monitored and evaluated as the weather event progresses.
Below is a breakdown of which vehicles are currently restricted and which are still permitted to travel.
Restricted vehicles
The following cannot use the turnpike at this time:
- High-Profile Tow-Behinds: Any camper, boat, or enclosed trailer taller than 7’6″ (excluding fifth-wheels).
- Specific Commercial Trailers: Empty single 53-foot box trailers.
- Specialty Trailers: Mobile homes, office trailers, and livestock trailers.
- Long Combination Vehicles (LCV):
- Triple-trailer combinations.
- Enclosed double-trailer combinations (including Conestoga types) that exceed 90 feet in length.
- Large Buses:
- Two-axle buses longer than 40 feet.
- Buses with three or more axles longer than 45 feet.
Permitted vehicles
The travel ban does not apply to the following:
- Standard Vehicles: Passenger cars and pickup trucks.
- Recreational Vehicles: Self-propelled motor homes, pickup trucks with slide-on campers, fold-down camper trailers, and fifth-wheel trailers.
- Commercial Freight:
- Loaded single 53-foot trailers.
- Single flatbed, tanker, or car hauler trailers.
- Flatbed double-trailer combinations.
- Any double-trailer combination shorter than 90 feet.
- Smaller Buses:
- Two-axle buses under 40 feet.
- Buses with three or more axles under 45 feet.
- Other: Low-profile trailers and general trailers towed by passenger vehicles that do not meet the “high-profile” criteria listed above.
Weather warnings and local impact
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Wind Warning for Northeast Ohio, which remains in effect until early Tuesday morning. Forecasters warn that gusts could occasionally exceed 60 mph, particularly along the lakeshore.
These conditions are capable of blowing down large tree limbs and unearthing shallow-rooted trees, which contributes significantly to the ongoing FirstEnergy power outages.
While Northeast Ohio is bearing the brunt of the storm, the Cincinnati area is not immune to the windy conditions. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Southwest Ohio, including Hamilton County, until 6:00 p.m. Monday.
Local forecasts for Cincinnati predict sustained westerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. While widespread outages are not yet reported in the Queen City, residents should remain vigilant. Loose outdoor objects, such as patio furniture and trash cans, should be secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Safety tips during power outages
If you are affected by the current FirstEnergy power outages, safety should be your top priority. The most immediate danger during wind storms is often downed power lines. FirstEnergy explicitly warns customers never to touch or go near a downed line, even if it appears to be dead. Assume all lines are energized and dangerous.
Report any downed wires immediately to FirstEnergy or your local police department. In addition to avoiding wires, residents using generators must ensure they are operated correctly. Never run a generator inside a home, garage, or basement, as carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent and deadly threat.
To preserve heat during an outage:
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Close curtains and blinds to retain home heat.
- Wear layers of clothing rather than relying on unsafe heating sources like gas stoves.
FirstEnergy crews are working around the clock, but high winds can delay the safe deployment of lift equipment. Restoration estimates may be adjusted throughout the day as field assessments are completed.
What to expect next
Meteorologists from NWS expect the winds to gradually diminish late Monday night into Tuesday morning as the low-pressure system moves eastward. However, temperatures are expected to drop following the front, bringing a potential transition to colder winter weather.
For residents in Northeast Ohio, the immediate focus remains on weathering the gusts and waiting for power restoration. For those in Cincinnati and the rest of the state, the day will remain blustery but manageable, as reported by WBNS 10TV.
As the system exits the region, the Ohio Turnpike Commission will re-evaluate the travel ban. Trucking companies and travelers hauling trailers should plan for the restriction to remain in place until midnight unless wind speeds drop significantly earlier than forecast.
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