Fact Check: "Approximately 2,500 power outages were reported in Ohio County as of June 16, 2025."
What We Know
On June 16, 2025, reports indicated that Ohio County was experiencing significant power outages due to severe flash flooding. According to multiple sources, including a statement from Governor Patrick Morrisey, there were approximately 2,500 reported outages in the county as of 2 PM that day. This figure was corroborated by various news outlets covering the flooding and its aftermath, which highlighted the challenges faced by emergency services and utility companies in restoring power to affected areas (source-5, source-6, source-8).
However, as the situation developed, other reports indicated that the number of outages fluctuated. For instance, one report noted that as of the evening of June 16, 1,629 customers were still without power (source-2). This discrepancy in reported outage numbers raises questions about the accuracy of the initial claim.
Analysis
The claim that "approximately 2,500 power outages were reported in Ohio County as of June 16, 2025" is indeed supported by statements from credible sources, including the governor's office (source-3). However, it is essential to consider the context and the evolving nature of the situation. The number of outages reported can change rapidly during emergency situations, especially following natural disasters like flooding.
The reliability of the sources reporting the outages is generally high, as they include official statements from government officials and reputable news organizations. However, the variation in reported outage numbers (from 2,500 to 1,629) suggests that the situation was fluid, and the figures may not have been consistently updated or verified across all platforms at the time.
Furthermore, the potential for confusion arises from the timing of the reports. The 2,500 outages were reported earlier in the day, while the 1,629 figure was noted later in the evening, indicating that power restoration efforts were underway and that the situation was improving (source-2, source-5).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "approximately 2,500 power outages were reported in Ohio County as of June 16, 2025" is misleading. While the figure of 2,500 was reported, it was not the final count as the situation evolved throughout the day. By the evening of June 16, the number of outages had decreased to 1,629, indicating that the initial claim did not reflect the most current data. Therefore, while there were significant outages, the claim does not accurately represent the situation as it developed.
Sources
- Electrical Power Outages - Ohio
- Update: 1,629 Still Without Power In Ohio County; Ohio County Schools ...
- Governor Patrick Morrisey Delivers Updates on Flood ...
- Ohio Power Outages Map, Jun 2025
- Flash flooding kills 5 in West Virginia, rescue teams searching for ...
- Flash flooding kills 5 in West Virginia, rescue teams ...
- Flash Flooding Kills Five, Damages Infrastructure in Virginia
- Ohio County flooding update, death toll rises to five ...
