Sylvania hard-hit by quick storm; trees down, power out for many

A storm-generated power outage in Sylvania knocked out these traffic lights today at the intersection of Brint and Holland-Sylvania roads, forcing drivers to be extra careful going through the intersection. THE BLADE/ KELLY McCLENDON Enlarge | Buy This Photo

Severe thunderstorms today caused chaos for both residents and motorists in Sylvania and Sylvania Township, as well as other parts of northwest Ohio.

Hours after a 3 p.m. storm ripped through the area, the split at I-475/U.S. 23 remained closed because of down power lines. Central Avenue between Reynolds Road and I-475 also was shut down.

A section of I-475/US 23 remains closed in both directions at Blossman Road because of downed power lines, The Ohio Department of Transportation District Two reported. Motorists are advised to use I-75.

Officials have also closed the following ramps, to reduce traffic congestion:

- From southbound US 23 to southbound I-475/23 near Sylvania.

Detour: eastbound I-475; I-75.

- From northbound I-75 to northbound I-475/US 23 in Perrysburg.

Detour: northbound I-75; westbound I-475.

- From Airport Highway to northbound I-475/23.

Detour Airport Highway; Reynolds Road; Central Ave.

ODOT reported that Central Avenue between I-475 and Reynolds Road also remains closed because of downed power lines. Officials suggest using Airport Highway

Power outages delayed travel at other locations in the area, including a stretch of road from North Holland Sylvania to Brint Road. Stop signs were placed at Brint Road after storms hit, around 3:30 p.m., alerting drivers that traffic lights were out. From the Valero gas station at 4001 Holland Sylvania, to St. Joseph’s Parish, at 5373 Main St., customers incurred power outages in the main part of the city.

About 4,400 residents were still without power in Sylvania, as of 6 p.m. today, according to Toledo Edison.

Police have called for several roads in the area to be closed, because of downed branches and power lines that could create dangerous situations for motorists. The intersection of Sylvania Avenue and Mitchaw Road was closed, after branches were found hanging on wires; crews were dispatched to remove the branches before motorists were permitted to pass.

PHOTO GALLERY: Storm damage around the Toledo area

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A dispatcher at the Sylvania Police Department said Silica Road, near Convent Boulevard, was also closed. She said the department’s non-emergency call line was very busy, with citizens calling about damage from the storm.

From the west, Sylvania Avenue was impassable because of flooding, downed branches and power lines. Members of the Sylvania Township Fire Department put flares in the road to alert drivers away from the road.

When asked when the lights might be turned back on, the Sylvania Police dispatcher said “they don’t tell us,” and said FirstEnergy would be taking care of the situation. A call to Toledo Edison resulted in a recording that warned of long wait times, and advised customers to visit the company’s Web site for updated information.

A tree lies across the road in the 2500 block of Cheltenham Road, just south of Kenwood Blvd. in the Old Orchard neighborhood of West Toledo. THE BLADE/BOB CUNNINGHAM Enlarge | Buy This Photo

“Crews are working to assess the damage and we will provide updates as more information becomes available,” the Web site said.

Toledo Edison and other utility crews were already busy, after a Friday night storm in Central Ohio followed by storms Sunday in eastern Ottawa County left thousands without power in Ohio and surrounding states.

An excessive heat warning that has been in place and not due to expire until Friday evening, which made things worse for those without air conditioning.

Lourdes University is without power and canceled evening classes for today. Spokesman Heather Hoffman said there wasn’t much damage to the property, but the lack of electricity would impede evening classes.

“The apartment complex next door — closer to the sister entrance did have quite a few branches down,” she said.

To see the power outage map, visit www.firstenergycorp.com.

Contact Kelly McLendon at:

kmclendon@theblade.com

or 419-206-0356.