Trending
EAST LIVERPOOL -- High winds throughout the day Wednesday caused a power outage in the downtown area from a fallen transmission line.
According to East Liverpool City Police, the transmission line, which crosses the Ohio River, clapped together, causing a power surge near the Westgate School complex. This, in turn, caused an outage about 11 a.m. which was expected to continue into the evening hours.
According to AEP Ohio, about 2,000 customers were affected by the outage, and power was expected to be restored about 11 p.m.
The power interruption seemed intermittent throughout the city, with businesses on some streets still open, while others were forced to close. City officials reported the West end of the city was primarily affected.
City Hall closed for the day since it had no power, although the police department located in the basement continued operating with electricity from a generator.
Businesses up and down Sixth Street were closed, while those on Fifth Street were open.
Traffic signals on Sixth Street were operating, while some near Westgate were operational and others were not.
While police officers said Westgate School remained opened, they indicated it had no power.
A call to Superintendent Randy Taylor Wednesday was not returned, but in a Twitter message about 2 p.m., he wrote, "The power company turned power off for repairs a while ago, but things are fine at Westgate. Hot pizza from Papa John's served, water is normal (drinking and flushing), and most rooms are warm. A few exterior classes chose to move to the gym, where kids are supervised and having fun."
The Dairy Queen located next door to the school was open and lighted.