Waking up to a dark house is basically the worst. You reach for the light switch, nothing happens, and then comes that sinking realization that the coffee maker isn't going to work. Honestly, if you're dealing with power outages in Columbus Ohio today, you aren't alone, though the numbers are currently pretty low compared to the chaos we’ve seen in past winters.
As of Friday, January 16, 2026, the situation across Central Ohio is mostly stable, but there are definitely some pockets of Franklin County feeling the pinch.
Right now, AEP Ohio is reporting a handful of active outage cases. We're talking small numbers—under 100 customers total in the Columbus metro area—but if you're one of those 80 or so households sitting in the dark, those stats don't make your living room any warmer. Most of these seem to be localized equipment issues or the result of some early winter "surprises" on the lines.
The Current State of the Grid in Columbus
Checking the live maps from AEP Ohio and the Columbus Division of Power shows that we’ve avoided a massive blackout for now. But there's a catch. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Franklin County.
Snow is coming.
👉 See also: Trump on Gun Control: What Most People Get Wrong
It's expected to start tonight and roll into Saturday. While we aren't looking at a "Snowpocalypse" just yet, any accumulation on lines can lead to those annoying flickers or full-blown shutdowns.
Here is what the local utility landscape looks like today:
- AEP Ohio: Reporting roughly 25-30 active incidents across their entire Ohio footprint, with only a tiny fraction of those actually inside Columbus city limits.
- Columbus Division of Power: Mostly clear, but they tend to have smaller, very specific service areas (like downtown and certain residential pockets).
- Surrounding Areas: Knox County is actually getting hit much harder today with hundreds out, so if you have family up toward Mount Vernon, they might be the ones needing the backup generator.
Why the Lights Go Out (Even When There's No Storm)
Most people assume a blackout requires a massive thunderstorm or a blizzard. Not true. Honestly, sometimes it’s just a squirrel with a death wish or a car hitting a pole on High Street.
In the winter, we deal with "cold load pickup." This is a technical way of saying that when the power goes out and every heater in the neighborhood tries to kick on at the exact same second when the juice returns, it can actually trip the system again. It's a delicate balance.
✨ Don't miss: Trump Eliminate Department of Education: What Most People Get Wrong
Don Chesler from AEP Ohio has mentioned in the past that trees are the number one culprit in our area. Even without heavy ice, a weak limb and a stiff breeze are enough to knock out a transformer.
How to Check Your Specific Status
Don't just sit there wondering. If your neighbors have lights and you don't, it’s probably a blown fuse or a very localized line issue.
- Check the Map: The AEP Ohio Outage Map is updated every 15 minutes. It'll give you an Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR).
- Report It: Never assume your neighbor called it in. Use the AEP app or call 1-800-672-2231.
- The 311 Option: If you're a city power customer, you might need to hit up the Columbus 311 center or call 614-645-8276.
Staying Warm While You Wait
The real concern for power outages in Columbus Ohio today isn't just the lack of Netflix; it’s the plummeting temperature. Wind chills are expected to dip near or below zero over the next few days.
If your power is out for more than a couple of hours, keep the fridge closed. A full freezer can keep food safe for about 48 hours if you don't keep peeking inside to see if the milk is still cold. For your home, grab the blankets and hunker down in one room. It’s much easier to keep one small space warm with body heat than an entire drafty house in Clintonville or Berwick.
🔗 Read more: Trump Derangement Syndrome Definition: What Most People Get Wrong
What to Do Next
If you are currently without power, your first move is to unplug sensitive electronics. When the power surges back on, it can fry your TV or computer. Leave one lamp turned "on" so you actually know when the grid is back up.
For those who still have power but are watching the snow start to fall: charge everything now. Get your portable power banks ready and make sure your flashlight actually has working batteries.
The most important thing you can do right now is sign up for text alerts through your utility provider. Getting a text that says "Crew on site" is a huge stress reliever when you're sitting in a freezing house at 9:00 PM. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep an eye on those weather updates as the snow starts to pile up tonight.