Thousands without power across Central Ohio after morning of freezing rain

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — As predicted, Thursday morning's commute was wet and cold. The freezing rain caused several power lines to fall, leaving thousands without power.

US-33 near Marysville was closed for part of the morning as crews worked to remove power lines from the highway.

Grace Street, near Hague Avenue, was one area heavily affected by the freezing rain. Live power lines came crashing down around 7 a.m.

Wet roads with some icy spots have been reported all over Central Ohio. Around 6:30 a.m., Columbus Police responded to reports of wires down on I-70 near Brice Road. Subsequently, AEP Ohio reported nearly 450 customers were without power in that area.

ABC 6//FOX 28 Meteorologist Phil Kelly was in Grove City. He saw a layer of ice as freezing rain fell around 4 a.m.

Around 7:30, freezing rain was still present on Stringtown Road.

ODOT said crews have been out since midnight fighting freezing rain and icy conditions on interstates, state and US routes throughout Central Ohio. The transportation department said the number one tool to fight the ice is salt because other chemicals would wash away.

Meteorologist Andrew Buck Michael said it was snowing overnight, but before 2 a.m. the snow turned to freezing rain. Michael and Kelly both said to use caution when driving over bridges. They reminded drivers to not slam on their brakes and accelerate slowly to avoid losing control.

As for the rest of Thursday, warmer temperatures and rain should melt the ice by midday.

ABC 6/FOX 28 will continue tracking the latest weather conditions online at abc6onyourside.com.