18-03-2025
Salem residents cleaning up after storm
SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) — Residents in Salem are cleaning up Monday after a storm that packed a punch, toppling trees and utility poles. Thankfully, no one was reported hurt, but it left quite the mess.
The sound of wind and rain has been replaced by chain saws and cleanup equipment on Monday.
'I was upstairs and I saw branches go flying, said Salem resident Jessica Wolford. 'I crouched down and I started hearing breaking glass, so I'm freaking out.'
Sunday afternoon's storms left a mark along Lincoln Avenue in Salem. Thankfully, with little harm in the way of property damage.
'This is an absolute miracle because this could have been so much worse,' Wolford said.
By Monday morning, most of the debris had been cleaned up. The culprit: one tree brought down by high winds that triggered a cascade of fallen utility poles and wires.
'The big thing is, if you find any lines down — power lines, cable lines — if you don't know the difference, don't get near them,' said Robert North, an inspector with Salem Fire Department. 'It's best to avoid them at all costs.'
City workers briefly closed Lincoln Avenue to remove the last of the debris while utility crews with First Energy and Spectrum repaired some of the damaged lines to houses.
'They had two trucks out most of the night. They were angels,' Wolford said.
Local officials say the close call underscores the importance of having a way to stay weather aware as spring and summer's severe weather season begins. It also coincides with Severe Weather Awareness Week, reminding locals to prepare themselves for any weather hazards.
'Make sure that you have a couple different options on how you can get alerted to the potential for severe weather,' said Peggy Clark, Columbiana County EMA Director
In the meantime, residents are thankful the storm didn't trigger a bigger cleanup as they wait for service to be restored.
'This is a a once in a … hopefully once in a lifetime event,' Wolford said.
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