Columbus, Ohio – Multiple fatalities have been reported following a series of destructive storms and possible tornadoes that tore through parts of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana on Thursday night. The first tornado warnings were issued in Ohio around 8:30 p.m. and lasted until 10:15 p.m., with strong winds and unconfirmed tornadoes causing widespread damage. Three confirmed deaths occurred in Logan County, Ohio, with clean-up efforts set to begin on Friday morning.
Reports of a “mass casualty event” came in from Logan County Emergency Management Agency, with numerous trees downed and homes damaged in Lakewood, Midway, and Orchard Island. The Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine treated 19 patients with weather-related injuries, primarily bone fractures and concussions.
Washington Township Police Chief Michael Thompson described the devastation as “chaos,” with severe damage across Logan and Delaware counties in Ohio. Indian Lake High School became a triage center and public shelter during the storm, with a swift response from healthcare professionals and community volunteers.
School closures were widespread across affected areas, with Indian Lake, Big Walnut, and Olentangy schools closed on Friday. Delaware County experienced significant power outages and property damage due to lightning, downed power lines, and fallen trees. Search and rescue efforts were hampered by damaged roads in Berlin Township, Berkshire Township, and the Village of Galena.
In Indiana, Winchester faced “significant injuries” after a tornado struck the community, with emergency response teams working to assist those affected. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and State Emergency Operations Center were activated to respond to the storm’s aftermath.
Kentucky also experienced storm damage, with Trimble County reporting at least 50 structures, including homes, damaged. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed a tornado touchdown in Gallatin and Trimble counties, urging residents to stay vigilant as more storms were expected. The emergency operations center was mobilized to coordinate storm response efforts.
Severe weather warnings persisted into Thursday night from northeast Texas to Indiana and Ohio, according to the National Weather Service. The full extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed in the wake of the destructive storms.