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Power Restoration Hurdles, Apple Settlement Checks, Browns Playoffs!

Issue# 017

Issue

In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

  🗓️ Events around the community

🌨️ Weather Forecast

⚡Power Restoration Hurdles: FirstEnergy Tackles High Winds and Ongoing Outages

❄️ Preparing for the Cold: Essential Tips for Weathering Winter Storms

 🚤 High Alert on Lake Erie: Gale Warning Issued from Avon Point to Conneaut 

 💵 Apple Begins Distribution of Legitimate $92 Checks in Class-Action Settlement

 🏈 Browns Set for Playoff Showdown Against Texans Amidst Season of Surprises

 🤣 Something Funny
 

January 13th

January 14th

January 19th

January 20th

January 23rd

⚡Power Restoration Hurdles: FirstEnergy Tackles High Winds and Ongoing Outages

Late Friday evening saw Northeast Ohio battered by a fierce combination of heavy winds, rain, and snow. The extreme weather led to significant disruptions, including the closure of Route 20 in Mentor. The road was shut down in both directions between Route 615 and Garfield Road around 7PM, following the fall of a tree. This incident wasn't isolated, as similar reports of downed trees and branches surfaced from various parts of the area, highlighting the storm’s severity. The howling winds were sweeping through Ohio last tonight.

Northeast Ohio is currently under a wind advisory and a high wind warning, with local meteorologists predicting gusts up to 60 mph. These conditions, along with snow forecasted for several days, pose a significant risk of further power disruptions. The Ohio Turnpike has also imposed travel restrictions due to the weather.

Meanwhile, FirstEnergy, had successfully restored electricity to most of the 373,000 customers affected by severe winter weather earlier in the week. However, they are bracing for another bout of challenging weather conditions. As of late Friday, over 9,000 outages were still being reported, with the highest numbers in Cuyahoga County, Sandusky County, and Summit County and now additional outages being reported late Friday into Saturday.

Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities, acknowledged the difficulties posed by the combination of high winds, heavy snow, and rain, noting that these conditions hinder repair efforts. The company is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe and prompt restoration of electricity. FirstEnergy has arranged for 16-hour work shifts for their crews to manage the situation efficiently.

However, there are limitations in their operations. The company has stated that the restoration process may be slowed down by the high winds, as it is unsafe to operate bucket trucks when wind speeds exceed 40 mph.

❄️ Preparing for the Cold: Essential Tips for Weathering Winter Storms

In light of the expected severe cold weather, it's essential to be well-prepared to ensure safety and comfort. Here are some key winter storm tips:

•Plan to stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
•Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm.
•If you lose power, report it to First Energy at 1-888-LIGHTSS.
•Have a battery backup or a way to charge your cell phone.
•Understand alerts you may receive.
A WATCH means Be Prepared.
A WARNING means Take Action!
•Gather food, water, gasoline, and medicine before a winter storm.
•Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires.
•Prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning with a detector, and if you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away.
•If you need to go outside, dress warmly and be aware of branches, trees or ice that may fall.
•Always avoid damaged or fallen power lines.

The above tips were taken from the City of Mentor’s Facebook page.

With freezing temperatures upon us, it's crucial to stay informed, prepare your home, have an emergency kit, practice heating safety, protect your pipes, ensure vehicle readiness, dress appropriately, avoid overexertion, keep pets safe, and limit outdoor exposure.

•Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government by going to www.lakeohioalert.com 

For more Winter Storm tips go to www.redcross.org Winter Storm Safety guide.

🚤 High Alert on Lake Erie: Gale Warning Issued from Avon Point to Conneaut

The Lake Erie region, from Avon Point to Conneaut, Ohio, is bracing for a significant weather event as gale-force winds are forecasted to hit the area. The warning, effective from 4 PM Friday until 7 AM EST Sunday, anticipates strong southeast winds initially at 30 to 35 knots, with gusts potentially reaching 55 knots. This will then shift to even stronger southwest gales, blowing at 35 to 45 knots. Accompanying these winds are waves expected to tower at 13 to 18 feet in height. Such conditions pose serious risks for mariners, including the dangers of capsizing, damage to vessels, and severely reduced visibility. It's crucial for those on the water to exercise extreme caution during this period.

Read more from weather.gov

 💵 Apple Begins Distribution of Legitimate $92 Checks in Class-Action Settlement

Those checks for $92 bucks are the real thing! The Apple settlement checks are being distributed to eligible claimants as part of a class-action lawsuit against Apple over the alleged intentional slowing down of iPhones through software updates. The payments began in January 2024, following a legal process that started with claim submissions in 2020 and concluded after resolution of appeals in August 2023. Apple agreed to a substantial settlement payout, though it did not admit any fault.

Read the the entire article here from Emery Winter at wkyc.com

🏈 Browns Set for Playoff Showdown Against Texans Amidst Season of Surprises

Warm our hearts Brownies! The Cleveland Browns, OUR Cleveland Browns, are gearing up for their Wild Card round clash against the Houston Texans in the NFL playoffs. Despite the loss of several players including star running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns have defied expectations. Surprising many, they concluded the regular season on a high note with a four-game winning streak, securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2020.

Stepping up in the wake of these setbacks, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco emerged from retirement to lead the team, complemented by a defense that ranks among the best in the league. Former Browns running back Greg Pruitt highlighted the importance of individual matchups in the upcoming game, giving the Browns an edge due to their top-ranked defense.

The Texans, while boasting impressive rookies, including potential offensive and defensive rookies of the year, are relatively inexperienced in playoff scenarios. This inexperience was evident in the regular season when the Browns triumphed over the Texans 36-22, a game in which Houston's CJ Stroud did not participate. Concerns loom for the Browns as well, with uncertainties around the availability of cornerback Denzel Ward and kicker Dustin Hopkins.

The highly anticipated game is set for Saturday, Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m., promising an intriguing battle of defense and experience and a clash of veteran prowess against rookie enthusiasm. 

Read the Entire Article by Talia Naquin at Fox8.com

🤣🤣 Something Funny

Something Funny 🤣🤣

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