Story perspectives

Severe Winds Leave 280,000 Without Power in Ohio, Pennsylvania

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 13, 2026, severe winds hit Northeast Ohio and southwestern Pennsylvania, triggering widespread power outages and damage.
In Ohio, more than 64,000 customers lost power, and Cleveland recorded gusts up to 85 mph.
FirstEnergy Corp. and Duquesne Light Company activated emergency response teams, but high winds delayed restoration.
In Pittsburgh, about 280,000 customers lost electricity as trees fell on homes and roads.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, which struck from March 11-14, resulted in over 400 deaths and paralyzed the northeastern United States. With winds exceeding 45 mph, it disrupted transportation and communication, prompting infrastructure improvements. This disaster underscored the need for better emergency response and resilience planning, a lesson echoed in recent severe weather events affecting regions like Northeast Ohio and southwestern Pennsylvania.

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Story summary

On March 13, 2026, severe winds hit Northeast Ohio and southwestern Pennsylvania, triggering widespread power outages and damage.
In Ohio, more than 64,000 customers lost power, and Cleveland recorded gusts up to 85 mph.
FirstEnergy Corp. and Duquesne Light Company activated emergency response teams, but high winds delayed restoration.
In Pittsburgh, about 280,000 customers lost electricity as trees fell on homes and roads.

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