Cleveland Heights, Ohio experienced significant disruptions due to high winds that affected the west end of the city. The local Division of Public Safety reported that the winds brought down a tree and power lines, which resulted in a transformer fire at the intersection of Coventry and East Overlook roads.
As a result of the fire, over 1,000 FirstEnergy customers are currently facing power outages, with estimated restoration times projected for around 3 p.m. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, are on-site managing the situation and restricting access to certain roads.
The power outages are causing issues for traffic signals at various intersections, notably at Cedar and Lee, Euclid Heights Boulevard and Coventry, Euclid Heights Boulevard and Superior, and Washington Boulevard and Lee. Authorities are advising drivers to treat all intersections without functioning traffic lights as four-way stops, allowing vehicles to proceed in the order they arrive.
Additionally, with a lake-effect snow warning issued for Cuyahoga County, safety officials are advising travelers to exercise caution. For those affected by the outages, the Cleveland Heights Community Center will act as a warming center.
This situation highlights the importance of preparedness for weather-related events, especially with the potential for further snow and wind conditions in the coming days. The community’s response to the challenges posed by the weather demonstrates resilience and a commitment to safety.