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Three people were killed and buildings flattened in Logan County, Ohio, after a possible tornado hit the area. Severe weather also caused considerable damage and injuries in Winchester, Indiana. More than 300 storm reports were made across the US on Thursday, the most active day of the year so far for destructive weather.
Severe Weather Strikes Ohio and Indiana
A potential tornado caused three fatalities and significant damage in Logan County, Ohio, while another suspected tornado resulted in severe injuries and damaged buildings in Indiana on Thursday, officials reported.
In Lakeview, Ohio, two individuals were killed at the Geiger Mobile Home Park after the reported tornado hit the region, according to Logan County Sheriff Randall Dodds. The third victim’s location was unclear.
Officials fear the death toll and injury count might rise as rescue efforts continue, with Sheriff Dodds describing the scene as “devastating”. He highlighted the need for heavy lifting equipment to access some of the storm-ravaged homes.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Transportation are assisting affected communities, Governor Mike DeWine stated. More than 16,000 Ohio residents were without power as of Friday afternoon, per poweroutage.us.
Indiana’s ‘Sky was completely black’
In Winchester, Indiana, a suspected tornado caused serious harm shortly before 8 p.m., damaging homes and leveling some structures in the city of around 4,800 near the Ohio border.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter described the situation in Winchester as a “terrible, terrible event” but was relieved to report no fatalities. However, significant injuries and extensive damage were reported, while confirmation of a tornado was pending.
Emergency management officials in nearby Selma reported potential damage to up to half of the town’s buildings. One resident described a terrifying scene of rapidly changing weather and damage to her home.
Delaware County’s Emergency Management Agency reported only one minor injury despite extensive damage. Winchester’s Ascension St. Vincent Hospital reported treating 39 patients following the storm.
Most Active Storm Day of the Year
Over 13 million people were under tornado watches on Thursday, stretching from Texas to Ohio, according to the weather service. With over 300 storm reports, it was the most active storm day of the year so far.
The National Weather Service will conduct damage surveys to confirm the number of tornadoes and their strength. Initial unconfirmed reports suggest possible tornadoes in Ohio, Indiana, and Texas.
Next Steps for the Weather System
The severe weather moved towards the Southeast on Friday morning with a severe thunderstorm watch in effect. About six million people in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama are currently under a severe storm risk, with large hail and potential isolated tornadoes being primary concerns.
Further, heavy rainfall is expected along the Gulf Coast through Sunday, with possible flash flooding in urban areas such as Houston, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Mobile.
Meanwhile, Denver experienced heavy snowfall, with further snow predicted in the mountains of southwest Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
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