HURON COUNTY, Ohio – Ohio faced a series of severe storms that spawned multiple likely tornadoes on Thursday. Northern and central Ohio experienced significant storm activity, causing widespread damage and destruction as severe weather swept through the state. In Huron County, the National Weather Service issued reports of a “very dangerous half-mile tornado on the ground,” emphasizing the potential for damage to homes and structures. The NWS highlighted the seriousness of the situation, warning residents of the imminent dangers posed by the tornado.
Moving to Logan County, a mass casualty incident was reported following the passage of a particularly destructive tornado. Eyewitnesses described harrowing experiences, with one resident narrowly escaping the tornado by mere minutes. The storm left a path of destruction, resulting in multiple injuries and the destruction of various structures. Additionally, Mercer County suffered the impact of the storm, with at least three people injured and numerous transmission poles knocked down, causing power outages in the area. The devastation extended to Indian Lake, where homes and structures were left in ruins.
In neighboring Indiana, state police confirmed three fatalities in Randolph County during the severe weather event on Thursday night. The tragic deaths occurred in a mobile home park in Winchester, underscoring the deadly nature of the storms. Further south in Cincinnati, storms rolled in around 10 p.m. before heading towards the Ohio River overnight. Residents were urged to remain vigilant as various forms of severe weather, including strong winds, large hail, and tornadoes, remained possible throughout the night.
Earlier in the day, tornado warnings had already caused damage in southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky. Communities in Switzerland County and Gallatin County experienced heavy damage, prompting warnings from local authorities. The storms were projected to subside around 2 a.m., with showers tapering off by sunrise. Temperatures were expected to drop during the day, reaching the 50s and 40s in the afternoon before plummeting once again. Residents were advised to stay informed and prepared for any further developments in the weather conditions.