# Powerful Windstorm Batters Northwest Ohio, Draws Comparisons to 2012 Derecho

Listeners, over the past week, a powerful wind storm battered northwest Ohio, leaving thousands without power and drawing comparisons to the devastating 2012 derecho. The Van Wert Independent reports that on Friday, March 13, the storm hit hard, with peak winds knocking out electricity for 3,339 AEP customers in the Van Wert service area, including Van Wert County and Delphos, at 6 p.m.

AEP spokesperson noted that crews restored power to 97 percent within 24 hours, with only 52 customers still in the dark by Saturday evening at 7 p.m. A follow-up storm Sunday night into Monday affected 500 more customers, leaving just two without service by Monday afternoon. High winds slowed repairs, causing damage to the power grid reminiscent of the 2012 derecho.

The National Weather Service Northern Indiana recorded gusts up to 77 miles per hour in Middle Point, 66 in Van Wert, and 54 in Convoy. This triggered a rare Blowing Dust Advisory, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less in Van Wert County, according to EMA Director Rick McCoy.

Reports flooded in of overturned semi-trucks, downed trees, utility poles, and power lines. Local authorities handled at least two fires: smoke in an attic on Goodwin Road in York Township and a barn fire along Van Wert-Auglaize County Line Road. The City of Van Wert scheduled special brush pickup starting Monday, March 23—place it curbside by 7 a.m.

Statewide, AEP Ohio saw 258,000 customers lose power at peak, mostly in central, northern, and eastern Ohio. Over 4,000 employees and contractors logged 147,500 hours to restore service across 61 counties.

This widespread, long-lived wind event associated with thunderstorm lines fits the profile of a destructive windstorm, echoing derecho-like impacts without official classification yet.

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