COLUMBUS – Excessive heat warnings are in effect until Thursday evening amid widespread power outages.
Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values as high as 107-109 degrees expected, according to the National Weather Service.
A dangerous heat wave has washed over much of the Midwest and South, with temperatures hitting triple digits in Chicago and combining with the humidity to make it feel even hotter there and in other sweltering cities.
Strong storms brought heavy rain and damaging wind to parts of the affected region on Monday, and more than 500,000 customers remained without power as of Tuesday afternoon.
Power outages impacted approximately 169,000 customers in the Columbus area.
UPDATE 6/15/22 9:02 p.m: AEP Ohio estimates expect that all customers impacted by the emergency outage would have their power restored by 5:00 a.m. Thursday.
Remaining transmission lines became overloaded, requiring emergency outages to protect the electric system, according to theutility.
Due to continued extreme temperatures, the electrical system will remain stressed until the damaged lines are returned to operation, AEP officials said.
The company asked customers to reduce their electric usage between the peak hours of noon and 7:00 p.m.
One person was killed and two others injured in a shooting incident near a Columbus recreation center that was being used as a cooling center Wednesday.
A 24-year-old woman was killed when a fight outside Glenwood Community Center resulted in gun fire, police said. An 18-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy were injured in the incident.
This was the 59th homicide of the year in Columbus, police said.
Columbus Recreation and Parks opened cooling centers at five regional community centers through Thursday.
The extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.