Overnight storms leave many in Marion County without power as heat wave arrives

A violent storm system that pushed through the region on Monday night has left many people in Marion County without electricity with excessive heat in the forecast.

The storms prompted the National Weather Service to issue severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings in several counties across Ohio. Downed power lines and fallen trees are being reported across the state today in the wake of the storms.

Major B.J. Gruber from the Marion Police Department said reports of storm damage in the city of Marion were "widespread."

"It's all over, but it really seemed to be concentrated in the Vernon Heights Boulevard and East Church Street areas," he said. "There was significant damage to the MotoMart on South Prospect Street. The protective overhang over the fuel area suffered really significant damage. There's a lot of downed trees. The city garage did an exceptional job working with us last night getting the roadways opened up."

Gruber said he was not aware of any reports of injuries to any residents in the city.

Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles said his office has received many reports of downed power lines and fallen trees throughout the county, but not "anything major." Bayles said his office has not received any reports of injuries, either.

FirstEnergy reported that as of 9:50 p.m. on Tuesday, 1,612 customers in Marion County were still without electricity. That figure includes 787 customers in the city of Marion, 438 customers in Marion Township, 170 customer outages in Claridon Township, and 130 customers with no power in the village of Caledonia.

The utility reported that Grand Prairie Township had 68 customer outages. Outages were also being reported in the village of Prospect as well as Green Camp, Pleasant, Prospect, and Scott townships.

AEP was reporting that 171 of its customers in Marion County were without electricity as of 9:50 p.m. on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued an excessive heat warning that includes Marion, Morrow, and Wyandot counties. The warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the weather service, residents can expect "dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 (Tuesday) and up to 109 Wednesday afternoon expected."

NWS also noted in the warning that "extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."

The weather service forecast for Wednesday is calling for sunshine with a high of 96 degrees. On Thursday, there is a chance for thunderstorms with a high of 93 degrees. Cooler conditions are expected for Friday with sunny skies and a high of 84 degrees.

The City of Marion announced Tuesday that it will be collecting "natural storm debris" over the next several days. According to a press release issued by the mayor's office, natural debris includes fallen tree limbs, brush, and branches left behind in the wake of the heavy storm that moved through the area on Monday night.

"The city will provide this one-time collection over the next several days that will assist residents looking to clear their properties of storm debris," the press release states. "Crews will be chipping the storm debris at curbside during this collection. Therefore, residents are being asked to set tree limbs, brush and branches in the tree lawn area of their property. For the safety of the motoring and walking public, debris should NOT be placed in the street or block the sidewalk.

"Property owners not wanting to wait for curbside collection service can drop off storm debris to Outdoor Resource Supply (560 Barks Rd. W.)."

The press release included the following tips for curbside collection of storm debris:

• Place fallen trees, branches and brush in the tree lawn area of your property near the street. Do not let it block or overhang the curb or sidewalk. The height should not impact vehicle sightlines.

• Cut branches and trees into manageable pieces.

• Do not place any storm debris on the road.

• Only set out natural storm debris. No root balls or stumps. No garbage or construction waste.

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 the municipality's Facebook page Tuesday morning.

Email: ecarter@gannett.com | Twitter: @AndrewACCarter 

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Storms cut power to many in Marion County as heat wave arrives