|
|
Freakish
weather combines heat, wind and power outages
By Bob Robinson
While violent storms and extreme heat hit the east coast, Darke County
experienced its own weather events starting Friday mid-afternoon.
Actually, it started earlier in the week with temperatures in the high
90s, and peaking at 101 and 102 degrees before the storms hit.
The forecast Friday morning was for thunderstorms with much needed
rain. The reality Friday afternoon was winds gusting at better than 60
miles per hour, very little rain and loss of power in nearly every
corner of Darke County.
Power outages were reported in Bradford, Gettysburg, Versailles,
Ansonia, Union City, New Madison, Wayne Lakes, Pitsburg, Arcanum and
many areas of Greenville. A number of business on Wagner Avenue in
Greenville lost power for several hours.
Did I miss anyone?
Strong winds have reportedly caused damage at the Darke County
Fairgrounds, various locations around the county and in the city. Small
buildings have reportedly been relocated by the wind, others have been toppled and
numerous trees are down. A brief drive around town showed primarily trees and limbs down.
As of 3 p.m. Saturday power was still out north of town. Reports have
been noted that 13,000 customers were still without power in Darke
County. Power may not be restored throughout the county until sometime
next week. While the weather cooled off
Friday evening due to the storm, another 90 plus degree day is
expected... Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday... beyond that
it’s anyone’s guess.
According to the Darke County Red Cross, cooling centers have been set
up at EUM Church on Franklin Street in Union City and Tri-Village
Rescue, behind the Dollar General in New Madison.
The local Red Cross also reports that residents affected by heat and
humidity “can also enjoy a break at their local libraries, park
centers, and museums.”
Weather.com reports 90 plus degree weather in the forseeable future. It
also reports a 30 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms for
Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Many of us know the reality of “isolated
thunderstorms” from Friday.
|
|
|
|
|
