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Storms Knock Out Power for 180,000, Trigger Tornado Warning

8/12/2026

Summary

Duke Energy Outage

Duke Energy reported that more than 180,000 customers lost power after Tuesday’s storms.
At 10 p.m., about 134,000 Ohio and 26,000 Kentucky customers still lacked electricity.
Storm director Andy Cassidy warned damage exceeded expectations and said crews would work around the clock.
Duke Energy said fallen trees, broken poles and damaged equipment slowed restoration.
The utility urged customers to avoid downed lines and to report outages by texting “OUT” to 57801.

Summary

NWS Inspects

The National Weather Service will dispatch crews on Aug. 12 or 13 to inspect damage and determine whether the Aug. 11 storm generated a tornado.
Wind gusts of 82 mph at John Glenn International Airport triggered a tornado warning for Madison County at 9:45 a.m., which lasted 15 minutes.
Traffic-camera footage captured a car flipping on Interstate 71 near Weber Road at 10:08 a.m., with no injuries reported.

Summary

Trent Ford Records

Illinois climatologist Trent Ford said tornadoes reached 191, breaking the 2024 record of 142, and noted a modest long-term increase tied to warming.
The Small Business Administration approved a disaster declaration for Illinois counties hit by the July 2-4 storms, unlocking aid for businesses and homeowners.
ComEd reported 4,100 outages affecting 263,000 customers, aimed to restore 80 % by Thursday noon while O’Hare Airport saw delays, cancellations and a stop until mid-afternoon.

History

Historical Context

On April 1 1974 a low-pressure system sparked 23 tornadoes and 11 severe-weather watches that warned the public, then on April 3-4 the Super Outbreak unleashed 147 tornadoes—including 30 F4/5—killing about 310 people and prompting sweeping reforms of the National Weather Service and tornado-warning infrastructure. Those reforms shape today’s response to Midwest storms that have knocked out 180,000 Duke Energy customers.

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Duke Energy Outage

Duke Energy reported that more than 180,000 customers lost power after Tuesday’s storms.
At 10 p.m., about 134,000 Ohio and 26,000 Kentucky customers still lacked electricity.
Storm director Andy Cassidy warned damage exceeded expectations and said crews would work around the clock.
Duke Energy said fallen trees, broken poles and damaged equipment slowed restoration.
The utility urged customers to avoid downed lines and to report outages by texting “OUT” to 57801.

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