Storms topple trees and down dozens of utility lines, thousands left without power
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (June 14, 2022) – The strong winds and thunderstorms overnight have created a hectic morning for drivers, first responders, and electric company crews.
The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office appears to have taken more than 30 calls about fallen utility wires and power lines since just after midnight. Some of the areas hit hardest include Gnadenhutten, Port Washington, Uhrichsville, and Sugarcreek. There were also a couple of utility pole fires reported in New Philadelphia.
Fallen trees have also reportedly blocked off all roads into and out of town for residents in Gnadenhutten.
Those places have all been dealing with power outages, including a few thousand customers without service between the east side of New Philadelphia and the Roswell area.
American Electric Power is assessing the conditions and doesn’t have an estimated restoration time for a lot of these outages.
Click here for the AEP’s outage map.
Firefighters also responded to what was reported as a confirmed structure fire at Walnut Hills Retirement Community shortly before 3 a.m. and remained there for about 55 minutes.
No word yet on what happened or the extent of any damage.
More damage around Gnadenhutten. Photo credits: Julie Klaserner
