OHIO — Some northern and central parts of the state saw wet snow early Tuesday morning before it began to transition into rain. 

The rain is expected to last through Wednesday and be accompanied by strong winds which could reach more than 50 mph, with some areas along the northeast lakeshore expected to see gusts more than 60 mph.

What You Need To Know

  • The rain is expected to last through Wednesday and be accompanied by strong winds

  • Wind speeds could reach over 50 mph

  • FirstEnergy is organizing a response for potential outages

"While we invest in our electric system throughout the year to keep power flowing to customers in all weather conditions, the combination of high winds; heavy, wet snow and rain carries the potential for power outages and presents challenges for our crews during repair efforts," said Wade Smith, president of FirstEnergy Utilities in a news release. "We are vigilantly monitoring both the current storm system and the forecasted severe weather over the next week, and we are committed to taking every necessary step to ensure safe and prompt restoration of electric service for our customers."

The electric company is organizing a response for potential outages including: 16-hour shifts for storm personnel, staffing additional internal operators, damage assessors and analysts at districution control centers, notifying contractors to assist with restoration efforts, securing additional line, substation, forestry personnel and contacting emergency management officials, state officials, regulators and local officials about the company's preparation efforts. 

FirstEnergy said restoration could be slowed by the heavy rain and winds as crews cannot operate bucket trucks when winds exceed 40 mph. 

The company said in a statement public safety is a top priority, and will focus on downed power lines, trees and blocked roadways first.