Extreme Weather August 2026
Storm Response Active. In response to the severe weather our community faced this week, the City has gathered resources and critical information below. Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
For non-emergency services, please contact 311 at 614-645-3111. You can submit service requests on issues including a tree blocking the street, basement flooding caused by sewer backup, and street flooding. Visit 311 on Columbus.gov to connect with the City's 311 virtual support center.
Here's How You can Help
This page is updated regularly as new information becomes available. Check back often for the latest guidance on shelter, food resources, and recovery assistance.
Check Power Outage Status
Many neighbors may still be without power. Check your outage status and estimated restoration time using the links below.
AEP Ohio power outage information:
AEP Ohio Outage Map (outagemap.aepohio.com)
Columbus Power outage information:
Columbus Power Outage Map (gis.columbus.gov/PowerOutage)
For information on power and electrical safety, visit Columbus Water and Power.
Call 911 for life threatening emergencies, including downed live power lines, structural collapse, fire, or medical emergencies.
Call 311 at 614-645-3111 for all non-emergency storm needs.
Emergency Shelter
The American Red Cross activated an emergency shelter for neighbors whose homes have been impacted by the severe weather at the Scioto Southland Community Center, 3901 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43207.
For shelter information, call 1-800-RED CROSS at 1-800-733-2767.
View full emergency shelter information
Severe Weather Safety
Stay safe before, during, and after severe weather. Keep away from downed power lines, avoid walking or driving through floodwater, and move to higher ground if water levels rise.
For trusted information and guidance, visit the National Weather Service (NWS). To sign up for NWS weather alerts, visit weather.gov/wrn/wea or call the NWS Wilmington Office at 937-383-0031.
For current forecasts and flood information, visit forecast.weather.gov.
For guidance on staying safe during and after a natural disaster, visit CDC Natural Disaster Safety.
View full weather safety guidance
Device Charging & Cooling Sites
Many neighbors may still be without power. To charge devices, or for a cooling location, please check with local churches and community centers. Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Centers and Columbus Metropolitan Library locations are open to help.
Columbus Recreation & Parks
All open community centers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents are welcome to come in, cool off and charge devices.
The customer service team is available at 614-645-3337.
Find a cooling and charging site near you
Food & Medical Safety Guidance
Severe weather and power outages can affect food, medications, and personal safety.
Food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Refrigerated food is generally safe for up to 4 hours. A full freezer is safe for about 48 hours. For more guidance, visit foodsafety.gov.
Medications: Keep refrigerated medicines cool and contact your pharmacist or doctor if they have been exposed to excessive heat.
Tetanus: Keep your routine 10 year tetanus booster up to date. For deep, dirty, or puncture wounds from debris or floodwater, a booster may be needed if it has been more than 5 years. Wash wounds immediately with soap and water and cover them. Seek medical care within 24 to 48 hours for wound cleaning or an expedited booster.
View full food and medicine guidance
SNAP Benefit Replacement
If you live in Ohio and lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a household fire, flood, or a power outage lasting four hours or more, you must complete and submit JFS Form 07222 (Statement Requesting Replacement SNAP Benefits) to your local office within 10 days of loss.
If you live in Franklin County, you can drop off forms to the Jobs & Family Services Opportunity Centers:
For complete information on replacement benefits, visit Franklin County Food Assistance Replacement Benefits.
For other public assistance and emergency resources, visit Ohio Job and Family Services.
Property Damage
Immediately contact your insurance carrier if you believe your property sustained damage.
Request a list of preferred contractors from your insurance carrier, the Better Business Bureau, or a specialized organization.
Make sure the contractor is registered with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Contact multiple contractors and obtain more than one estimate.
View full property damage guidance
Food Resources
To find food resources near you, visit Freshtrak.com, which is updated in real time in response to outages.
Remember to call ahead to the location before you go.
For additional statewide food assistance and community resources, visit the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.
View food resources by community area
Questions? Call 311 at 614-645-3111 for all non-emergency services and assistance.
Page last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. | Content owner: Mayor's Office | Publisher: Department of Technology | Information is updated as conditions change. Verify resource availability before traveling.