Otis Singleton
Cleveland Public Power has introduced a GIS map to highlight feeder outages, which are power distribution lines transmitting power from substations to homes. This map provides an overview of areas impacted by widespread power outages. In August 2024, a storm caused power outages across Greater Cleveland, affecting over 8,000 Cleveland Public Power customers and more than 335,000 FirstEnergy customers. In October 2024, another massive storm caused power outages, with many Clevelanders entering their fourth day without power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 19th October 2024 |
| Cause | Storm damage |
| Affected Areas | Collinwood, Mill Creek, Ohio City, Cuyahoga County |
| Number of People Impacted | 400,000 customers |
| Status | Power restored to 21,069 residents; 6,931 customers still without power |
| Resources | Open centers for people to stay cool, charge devices, and pick up ice or meals; Free water and ice available at 14 Giant Eagle stores |
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What You'll Learn
FirstEnergy customers affected
FirstEnergy customers in Greater Cleveland were among those affected by a power outage in August 2024. More than 335,000 FirstEnergy customers across Greater Cleveland were without power, according to outage maps. The west side of Cleveland and Lakewood were the hardest-hit areas, with smaller numbers of outages reported in other Northeast Ohio counties.
The power outage was caused by storms and high winds that swept through the region on August 7, 2024. The National Weather Service confirmed that "macrobursts" of strong winds caused extensive damage to trees and power lines in some areas, with the impact comparable to or even exceeding that of tornadoes. Four tornadoes also touched down across the region.
FirstEnergy anticipated a "multi-day restoration effort" to restore power to all customers. Line crews worked 16-hour shifts, and the company prioritized restoring power to emergency services such as police and fire departments and hospitals. FirstEnergy also reminded residents to stay away from downed or low-hanging wires and to report them to 911.
During the power outage, several Cleveland recreation centers and two health centers extended their hours to provide residents with access to phone charging and medical device charging. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank also delivered meals to these centers.
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Cleveland Public Power outages
Cleveland Public Power (CPP) has been Cleveland's municipal power company since 1906, providing energy services to residents and businesses in the city. CPP acknowledges that interruptions to electric service can cause inconveniences to customers and claims to be working hard to minimize these occurrences.
There are various reasons why customers may experience a power outage, including mechanical equipment failures, weather impacting equipment, and usage levels. CPP offers tips on what to do when encountering downed power lines and steps to take during a power outage to keep customers safe. When severe weather or a heatwave is predicted, CPP plans ahead to ensure they can restore any disruptions to service as quickly and efficiently as possible. They position repair crews and supplies near areas prone to the greatest damage and prepare for increased phone calls.
In the event of a power outage or if customers are experiencing dim, partial, or flickering lights, CPP encourages customers to call (216) 664-3156 or complete the form on the Report Outage page. CPP has also introduced a GIS (geographic information system) map highlighting feeder outages, which are power distribution lines transmitting power from substations to transformers and power lines feeding into homes. This map provides an overview of areas impacted by widespread power outages, but it does not include information on small, isolated outages.
While CPP works to address power outages, some customers have expressed frustration with the frequent outages on Cleveland's west side, which do not always appear to be weather-related. Customers are advised to report outages and contact their councilperson to seek action and drive change, as was the case with improvements made in Old Brooklyn following budgetary allocations for CPP upgrades.
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Storm damage and power outages
Cleveland Public Power reported that their crews had restored power to about 21,069 residents, but 6,931 customers were still without power as of Friday morning. FirstEnergy, another power company, stated that the storm knocked out power to over 400,000 customers in Northeast Ohio, making it the most significant weather event since a line of summer thunderstorms in 1993, which left 300,000 people without power.
The storm's impact has led to the closure of six branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, while all Cleveland Public Library branches were closed for staff training. Several Cleveland recreation centers and two health centers have opened with extended hours to provide assistance. These centers offer device charging, internet access, and a place to cool down. Additionally, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is delivering meals to these centers, and free water and ice are available at select Giant Eagle stores.
To support those affected by the power outages, Cuyahoga County officials advised residents who rely on oxygen tanks or canisters to call the number on their tank and request an emergency delivery. For those needing to dispose of tree branches, Kurtz Bros. locations, including one in Valley View, are accepting them. Mayor Justin Bibb assured residents that the city is working to assist them by opening centers that provide various resources and essential items such as ice and meals.
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Areas with no WiFi
Recent power outages in Greater Cleveland have left thousands of residents without electricity and, in some cases, WiFi. While some businesses and community resources have remained open for those seeking to access the internet and charge devices, several areas continue to experience disruptions in their internet connectivity.
Cleveland Public Power has been working to restore power to affected areas, with about 21,069 residents having their power restored as of Friday morning. However, 6,931 customers were still without power, according to the utility provider. FirstEnergy, another major power provider in the region, reported that the week's storm knocked out power to over 400,000 customers in Northeast Ohio, making it the most significant weather event since 1993.
During power outages, maintaining internet access and device charging capabilities is crucial for residents. While specific locations without WiFi are not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that areas without electricity are likely to experience WiFi disruptions. As of October 19, six branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library were closed due to power outages: Bay Village, Brook Park, Brooklyn, North Olmsted, Parma Heights, and Richmond Heights. These closures indicate that residents in these areas likely faced challenges in accessing public WiFi and device charging stations provided by the library.
In addition to library closures, other community resources have been made available to support residents impacted by power outages. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank's Community Resource Center remains open and accessible to those seeking assistance. Cuyahoga County and city officials have also advised residents who rely on oxygen tanks or canisters to call the number on their tank to request an emergency delivery. Furthermore, residents receiving SNAP benefits and experiencing power outages exceeding four hours are eligible for benefits to replace lost food.
While the restoration of power is a key priority, the impact on internet connectivity in specific areas of Greater Cleveland remains a concern. It is important for residents to stay informed about the status of power and WiFi restoration in their respective neighbourhoods. Cleveland Public Power offers a GIS map that highlights feeder outages, providing an overview of areas impacted by widespread power outages. Additionally, FirstEnergy has provided a text-based service where residents can text "OUT" to 544487 to report and stay updated on outages.
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Resources for residents without power
Resources for residents of Greater Cleveland without power:
First, check if your neighbours also have a power outage. If they do, it's likely a wider issue. You can also check a GIS outage map from Cleveland Public Power, which will highlight feeder outages. You should also report the power outage to your utility company. In Cleveland, you can report outages to Cleveland Public Power or First Energy.
If you have lost power, the first thing to do is to protect your appliances and electronics. Unplug any appliances to prevent damage from electrical surges. If you feel comfortable, you can shut off the main circuit breaker. Turn off any appliances that were on when the power went out, as they could pose a safety hazard when the power returns.
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to keep food cold for longer. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours. If the power is out for longer, use ice and coolers to keep food cold, and monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out any food that has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that needs to be refrigerated, unless the label says otherwise.
If you have a generator, keep it in a dry spot, away from water, and always use it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages. Let the generator cool before refueling, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
It's important to stay connected and informed during a power outage. Conserve your cell phone battery by switching to a power-saving mode, and consider taking a power strip to a local shelter or library to charge multiple devices at once. Write down important phone numbers and addresses, such as hospitals, schools, and storm shelters, and use walkie-talkies to communicate with family and neighbours.
Finally, never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, as this increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
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Frequently asked questions
The power outages in Greater Cleveland were caused by storms and high winds.
The power outages affected several areas across Greater Cleveland, including Collinwood, Mill Creek, and Ohio City.
If you're still without power, you can refer to various resources for updates and support. Cleveland Public Power provides updates on power outages through a GIS map. You can also contact FirstEnergy or Cleveland Public Power directly for more information. Additionally, the city may open centers for people to stay cool, charge devices, and access other essential services.
