Powerless to do anything

STEUBENVILLE - Wednesday's wild weather brought headaches that continue today as 4,294 AEP customers in Jefferson County, mainly in Steubenville, awoke early today to cold homes.

AEP expects to have power restored throughout the area by midnight, said Carmen Prati-Miller, AEP spokesperson.

Allegheny Power reported scattered outages through Brooke and Hancock counties, with the majority being in Colliers, Newell and Wellsburg.

Schools in Steubenville canceled classes because of the lack of power.

The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency reported four warming shelters are open to assist residents without electricity - American Red Cross Jefferson County Chapter, Talbott Drive, Wintersville; Wintersville Fire Department, Luray Drive, Wintersville; Bergholz Fire Department, Second Street, Bergholz; and the Brilliant Fire Department, Market Street, Brilliant.

The EMA encouraged residents to check on friends and relatives who may be without power. Also, residents are reminded to use extreme caution when using alternative heating sources or generators due to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Robert Herrington, Jefferson County 911 director, said the 911 center received about 300 calls during the peak of the wind storm Wednesday afternoon, mainly concerning downed trees and power lines. He said no injuries were reported as a result of the storm.

City Police Chief William McCafferty said city officers patrolled areas of the city without electricity during the night and checked on business doors.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla said deputies also received numerous alarm calls from homes and businesses because of the wind and power interruptions.

"It was a tough night with the cold for people to be without power," Abdalla said.