MARION — A strong early summer storm brought rain, lightning, and high winds through Marion and Morrow counties Monday night.
Downed power lines and fallen trees are being reported in both counties, according to sources.
Damage in Marion along the Vernon Heights Boulevard area was extensive. Other parts of the city and county also had power lines on roadways early Tuesday morning as crews worked to clear the debris.
A service station on South Prospect also was damaged. No injuries were reported.
FirstEnergy reported about 1,911 customers in Marion County were still without electricity Tuesday afternoon. AEP said about 500 of its customers in Marion County were without power.
That figure includes 918 customers in the city of Marion, 561 customers in Marion Township, 179 customer outages in Claridon Township, and 131 customers with no power in the village of Caledonia.
Road crews along Ohio 309 were picking debris up until noon Tuesday.
The Village of Caledonia is allowing village residents to place storm debris, brush, and limbs behind the recycling dumpsters at the village park. Village officials posted the announcement on social media.
In Morrow County, officials said multiple power lines and trees down in the village of Mount Gilead and encouraged residents to shelter in place.
One resident reported a huge tree branch blocking alley between High Street and Lincoln Avenue. The village plans to pick up storm debris.
Further east, a tornado warning had been issued in Knox and Coshocton counties.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued an excessive heat warning that includes Marion, Morrow, and Wyandot counties. The warning is in effect from noon (Tuesday through 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Highs today will hit the mid-90s with heat index values reaching above 100. It will be near 90 again on Thursday