CLEVELAND — Between Thursday night and into Saturday, high winds are expected to rip through much of Ohio, bringing with them a number of potential challenges.
Spectrum News 1 meteorologists said gusts could reach up to 50 miles per hour at times.
This could mean not only a loss of power, but these high winds could wreack havoc on your outdoor holiday decorations.
While inflatables can operate in temperatures below freezing, harsh winds aren’t as friendly to them. Besides sending them flying, strong gusts could leave them damaged.
The strong winds aren’t just a potential threat to decorations, either. They could create challenges for utility crews across the state, as well.
”We can’t send crews up and bucket trucks until the winds are below 40 mph,” said Lauren Siburkis, spokesperson for FirstEnergy. “So if we do sustain those long periods of high winds, then it may be challenging for us to get crews up in the air quickly to get power restored.”
Siburkis said, when it comes to high winds, residents should also take note of any downed- or low-hanging power lines.
“Please assume any wire is energized and dangerous and stay far away. Report them immediately to 911,” she said.
FirstEnergy also urges everyone to stay far away from any downed trees or debris as there could be hidden power lines buried underneath.
In addition, the utility company asks that everyone be especially cautious if heading outdoors after dark or once snow accumulates, because any potential electrical hazards could be hard to see.
