SHREVEPORT, La. -- Crews from the ArkLaTex are helping clean up and restore power in central Ohio after severe storms caused widespread flooding, wind damage and a confirmed EF-1 tornado.
SWEPCO mobilized about 250 workers to Ohio as part of the response. The crews are helping clear debris, repair damaged equipment and restore electricity to customers affected by the storms.
Torrential rainfall caused catastrophic flooding across four counties, while high winds brought down trees and power lines. A confirmed EF-1 tornado also left a path of damage.
More than 130,000 customers were without power at one point. That number had dropped to fewer than 7,000 as crews continued restoration efforts.
“They're doing lots of cleanup,” SWEPCO spokesperson Brooke Rinaudo said. “And then, of course, the tornado. There has been a confirmed tornado in the area.”
Rinaudo said crews are dealing with debris, damaged equipment and other storm-related cleanup as they work to restore service.
Radar estimates indicate between 5 and 10 inches of rain fell from Monday night into Tuesday.
SWEPCO said its emergency response strategy in Ohio is similar to the one it uses when hurricanes affect the Gulf Coast. Crews are dispatched to areas with significant damage to help speed up power restoration.
Rinaudo said the cooler temperatures in Ohio also gave crews a break from the extreme summer heat they typically face while working storm responses in Louisiana.
The crews are expected to remain in Ohio until restoration needs ease up.