Storms, high winds replace broiling Ohio temps

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Storm winds blew down a centerfield wall at a baseball field on Stubbs Mills Road.
Photographer: Robert Owens
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Posted: 06/29/2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Severe thunderstorms and high winds are sweeping across parts of Ohio, leaving thousands of residents without power and blowing over tractor-trailers.

The National Weather Service said Friday the storms could produce large hail and winds over 70 mph.

The State Highway Patrol says high winds blew over three tractor-trailers on Interstate 75 near Findlay. No one was injured.

American Electric Power of Ohio reported roughly 243,000 customers without power across Ohio, including more than 14,000 in northern Hancock County, nearly 19,000 in western Allen County and more than 145,000 in Franklin County in central Ohio.

Duke Energy also reported more than 175,000 outages in southwest Ohio, including 70,000 without power in Hamilton County.

The fast-moving storm quickly darkened skies and lowered temperatures following a day of near record highs.