Clean up and recovery is continuing after Tuesday’s storms, amid flash flooding and power outages.
Urbana city officials urged the public to be careful driving on South Main Street while debris is being cleared from the road. Some streets may be closed due to storm damage and the city’s street division is collecting tree branches that came down during the high winds.
AES is asking people for patience while crews work in difficult circumstances. As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, it reported a little over 1,000 customers still without power, including more than 600 in the Urbana area.
Urbana Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb said people are checking on their neighbors and helping each other clean up in the storm’s wake. The Fire Department’s B shift responded to over 100 calls during and after the storm. Ortlieb also asked people to stay away from downed trees and power lines, and to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve around the city.
According to the Miami Conservancy District, Dayton broke a 111-year-old rainfall record this week, and Butler County, Hamilton, Fairfield, Middletown, Franklin, and Trenton have all seen flash flood warnings as storms moved repeatedly through the Miami Valley.
The Clark County Emergency Management Agency said on Facebook that it is continuing damage assessment and recovery coordination. As of Wednesday afternoon, the agency had received more than 70 reports of storm-related damage, with the majority of reported damage concentrated in the eastern portion of Clark County.
During the height of the storm, Clark County 911 Dispatch handled more than 300 calls for service as severe weather moved through the area and residents reported storm-related emergencies and hazards.
“Our dispatchers are often the first point of contact when someone needs help, and Tuesday was an exceptionally busy day,” said Michelle Clements-Pitstick, director of Clark County EMA. “We want to thank our Clark County 911 dispatchers for their hard work and professionalism while managing more than 300 calls during the height of the storm. Their ability to manage a significant increase in calls while supporting responders in the field is an important part of our county’s emergency response.”
All downed power lines should be treated as energized. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines and anything they may be touching. Report downed lines to the appropriate utility provider and call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or public safety.
