Winds topping 80 mph tore through Franklin County on Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, knocking out power to 95,000 customers, including in New Albany and Gahanna, killing at least one person and causing structural damage that officials said could take days to repair.

The second wave of storms, arriving roughly 12 hours after Monday's initial round cut power to about 2,500 Franklin County customers, was far more destructive. The National Weather Service recorded an 82 mph wind gust at John Glenn Columbus International Airport as the storm complex moved through, according to Spectrum News 1.

A city-by-city breakdown of outages was not available, but New Albany and Gahanna fall within the Franklin County service area hit hardest by the storm. Statewide, more than 190,000 customers lost power by 11:30 a.m.

Gov. Mike DeWine confirmed at least one death during a 2 p.m. press conference at the Ohio Emergency Operations Center. The fatality occurred in the Village of Roseville in Muskingum County, where floodwaters prevented emergency crews from reaching the victim. DeWine signed emergency proclamations for Perry and Muskingum counties and activated the Ohio National Guard High Water Rescue Unit.

"This is the time to use common sense. This is the time to pay attention," DeWine said.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, speaking from city offices downtown at 1 p.m., said the Columbus Division of Fire responded to more than 100 emergency calls Tuesday morning alone. He compared conditions to a Level 3 snow emergency and warned residents to expect disruptions lasting several days.

The interim fire chief said the worst structural damage was concentrated near Parsons and East Hinman avenues, extending to Marion and Lockbourne roads. Multiple buildings lost their roofs and several vehicles were overturned, according to 10TV. On Interstate 71 near the Weber Road interchange, the storm flipped a car around 10 a.m. No injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service said a tornado may have struck the north side of Columbus and that surveyors may be sent later in the week to confirm.

Power restoration

AEP Ohio reported more than 130,000 customers without power across its service area by 1:30 p.m. Matt Bennett, AEP Ohio's director of operations, said downed poles and wires caused extensive damage and that out-of-state crews from as far as Oklahoma were arriving to help. The company deployed 2,000 field personnel with 300 mutual assistance crews en route.

"We're gonna need some patience from our customers, cause this is going to take a couple days," Bennett told WOSU.

Residents can track outages and estimated restoration times at outagemap.aepohio.com. South Central Power customers can check outage.southcentralpower.com.

More storms possible

The National Weather Service extended a severe thunderstorm watch for Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Union, Madison and Perry counties until 2 p.m. Tuesday. A third cold front was expected to move through central Ohio Tuesday afternoon, with additional severe weather possible into the evening. DeWine said flooding would remain a concern through at least Thursday.

AEP Ohio warned residents to stay away from downed wires and anything touching them, and to call 911 or AEP Ohio to report hazards.