Work continues on cleanup from Friday's windstorm in Knox County

Approximately 12,000 remain without power as of noon Saturday

Fallen tree blocking road and power lines.

This tree was uprooted along State Route 229 just west of Mount Vernon. Trees and power lines were knocked down by a windstorm that rolled through Knox County on Friday with gusts of up to 60 mph. Many Knox County residents are still without power as of Saturday afternoon.

Fred Main

Fred Main Fred Main Fred Main Knox Weekly News Editor

Published March 14, 2026 - 12:34 p.m. Modified March 14, 2026 - 2:54 p.m.

Friday’s windstorm continues to disrupt things in Knox County as of early afternoon Saturday.

The storm, which brought winds of up to 60 mph, knocked down trees, poles and caused power outages across Knox County and Ohio. According to some reports, it is the worst windstorm since the derecho of 2012.

Fallen trees and branches in front of a brick house. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Scattered tree branches near a white fence. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Obstructed road with fallen branches and trees. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Fallen tree in front of a house with debris on the lawn. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Downed utility poles beside a road. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Blocked road with fallen trees and a water tower. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Fallen tree blocking a street with caution tape. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Fallen tree in front of a house causing yard damage. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Fallen tree beside a road after a storm. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Downed tree branches in a yard after a storm. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

Fallen tree branch on a residential street. — Many roads were closed and power disrupted for most of Knox County thanks to a windstorm that rolled through the area Friday.

As of noon Saturday, AEP of Ohio reported there were still nearly 6,000 customers in Knox County without power. More than 2,000 of those were in Mount Vernon, with another 1,500 in Apple Valley. The Bladensburg/Martinsburg area, as well as areas around Mount Liberty between Mount Vernon and Centerburg, were also hard hit.

Energy Coop was reporting 1,500 Knox County customers were still without power. The biggest area without power in Knox County is east of Apple Valley.

“The damage to electric infrastructure across the 61 counties we serve is the worst since the 2012 derecho. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph sent trees, limbs and debris into lines and poles,” AEP reported in an update on its website Saturday morning. “Our crews have been out throughout the night assessing what it will take to get power restored, and they are committed to providing updates as soon as they are able. Right now, more than 2,700 people are in the field working on assessment and estimates on when you might have electricity. More teams are on their way from our sister companies and partners across the country.”

City, county and township crews have been working on clearing roads since Friday afternoon.

There have been reports of trees down on South McKenzie Street, Curtis Street, Park Road, Chester Street, Coshocton Avenue and Broadway Street, among others in the city of Mount Vernon. County residents also reported trees were down on Morgan Center Road, Grove Church Road, Pleasant Valley Road, State Route 95, State Route 229 west of the city and State Route 308 just outside of Gambier.

As of midnight Friday, city officials reported debris remained on two streets, a large tree on Park Road and another on Curtis Street. Due to live power lines in these areas, crews are unable to clear the fallen trees, and AEP will be addressing soon, city officials reported.

Mount Vernon officials reminded residents on a Facebook post that damage on private property is the responsibility of property owners. They said the city will work early this week to provide options for yard waste removal locations to help residents dispose of storm-related debris.