City of Fort Wright

Road Closures & Storm

Cleanup Update

August 12, 2026

Dear Fort Wright Citizens,

The City of Fort Wright is aware that yesterday’s severe weather event resulted in numerous downed trees, broken limbs, and other storm-related debris throughout our community. City Crews are actively working to clear streets, public rights-of-way, and public properties while continuing to respond to calls for emergency services and other urgent needs.

We appreciate residents’ patience and cooperation as our crews work throughout the community. Given the extent of the storm damage, cleanup and response efforts will take time, and crews are prioritizing locations based on public safety and the needs of the community.

Street Closures

Currently, we have the following closures due to downed trees and electrical wires: Vidot Court; W. Crittenden; and Battery Hooper Park are all closed until further notice.

Power Restoration

Duke Energy continues to work around the clock to restore power to customers who remain without service and have reported that as of 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, approximately 22,000 Kentucky customers remained without power. Crews have already restored approximately 19,000 customer outages in Kentucky. Across Duke Energy’s Kentucky and Ohio service territories, approximately 141,000 customers have been restored, while approximately 125,000 customers remain without power.

The storm created more than 4,400 individual outage events, with more than 2,600 active outages still requiring repairs. Fallen trees, broken utility poles, damaged equipment, and the possibility of additional severe weather may slow restoration efforts in some areas.

Duke Energy reports that lineworkers, damage assessors, and tree crews are working as safely as conditions allow. Additional crews and resources are being brought in from other states to assist with restoration. Duke Energy is also utilizing its smart, self-healing technology to reroute power around damaged equipment and help accelerate restoration.

Residents who remain without power are encouraged to monitor Duke Energy's outage information and estimated restoration times through its Outage Alerts and Outage Map, as well as the Duke Energy mobile app.

Please Use Extreme Caution During Cleanup

We strongly encourage residents to use caution when cleaning up around their homes and properties. Downed trees and limbs can conceal or be in contact with energized power lines. Never assume that a downed line is safe.

• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines and treat every power line as energized.
• Do not attempt to remove trees or limbs that are touching or near power lines.
• Keep children and pets away from storm debris and damaged areas.
• If you encounter a downed power line, stay clear and report it to Duke Energy or local emergency services.
• Use caution when operating chainsaws, generators, ladders, or other equipment during cleanup.
• If you use a generator, operate it outside and away from buildings and garages, and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
• If a power line falls on a vehicle, remain inside the vehicle unless there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, such as a fire. If you must exit, jump clear of the vehicle and land with both feet together, making sure you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.

Residents who are significantly affected by a prolonged power outage should also consider making alternate shelter arrangements, particularly households with elderly residents or individuals with special medical needs.

The City of Fort Wright will continue working with our emergency response partners and utility providers as cleanup and restoration efforts continue.

Thank you for your patience, vigilance, and cooperation as our community recovers from this severe weather event. Please take care of yourselves, your families, and your neighbors—and do not put yourself at risk while cleaning up storm damage. If you need to contact us please call 911 to report and emergency, or contact our administrative offices at 859.331.1700. Thank you.

The following are a few snapshots of damage reported around the community.