Thousands powerless from Ohio storms

COLUMBUS (AP) — Storms with heavy rain and vivid lightning have been sweeping across Ohio, leaving streets under water and thousands without power.

Lightning began striking Columbus around 7 a.m. today, accompanied by strong downpours. By 9 a.m., American Electric Power and South Central Power Co. reported 17,100 customers without power in central Ohio.

Northwest Ohio’s Defiance and Williams County reported water up to a foot deep flooding some federal and state highways. The sheriff’s offices said there were no serious problems.

The National Weather Service has much of western and central Ohio under a severe thunderstorm watch until noon. The forecasters say in some parts of the region, hail, more than an inch of rain and wind gusts of up to 60 mph are possible.