Full Breakdown
Severe Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
3/14/2026, 8:58:13 PM
Overview of the Power Outages
On March 13, 2026, severe storms swept through the U.S. Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, leaving over 1 million homes and businesses without power. According to data from PowerOutage.us, the state of Ohio experienced the most significant impact, with approximately 598,204 outages, which accounts for about 11% of the state's 5.4 million customers. The utility company most affected in Ohio was a unit of American Electric Power (AEP), reporting around 248,794 outages, followed closely by FirstEnergy, which had approximately 225,210 outages.
Breakdown of Outages by State
The storm's effects were felt across several states, with the following reported outages:
- Ohio: 598,204
- Pennsylvania: 271,583
- Michigan: 104,817
- Wisconsin: 50,971
- Washington: 45,914
- Indiana: 38,582
- Virginia: 16,445
In total, the storm resulted in 1,126,516 reported outages across the affected regions.
Key Figures and Utility Companies
American Electric Power (AEP) serves approximately 1.5 million electric customers in Ohio and was the hardest-hit utility during the storm. FirstEnergy, another major utility provider in the state, also reported significant outages. These companies are critical in restoring power and managing the aftermath of the storm.
Official Statements & Responses
Utility companies have been mobilizing resources to restore power to affected customers. AEP and FirstEnergy have not yet released detailed recovery timelines but are actively working to address the outages caused by the severe weather.
Criticism & Opposition
While utility companies are working to restore power, some residents have expressed frustration over the speed of the response and the preparedness of the utilities for such severe weather events. Critics argue that more proactive measures should be taken to enhance infrastructure resilience against storms.
What's Next
As recovery efforts continue, utility companies are expected to provide updates on restoration timelines and safety measures for residents. Local and state officials may also assess the storm's impact to improve future response strategies.
