HURON COUNTY, Ohio – A series of severe storms unleashed a string of likely tornadoes across Ohio on Thursday night, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The National Weather Service issued warnings for northern and central Ohio as the ferocious weather system swept through the state, posing a significant threat to residents and properties.
In Huron County, the National Weather Service raised the alarm about a “very dangerous half-mile-wide tornado touching down.” The destructive tornado had the potential to cause severe damage to homes and structures, prompting urgent warnings from officials. Similarly, Logan County experienced a mass casualty incident following the passage of a devastating tornado, with reports of injuries and widespread destruction.
In Mercer County, at least three individuals were injured, and nearly ten transmission poles were toppled by the powerful storm, plunging the area into darkness. The impact extended to Indian Lake, where homes and structures bore the brunt of the storm’s fury, resulting in extensive damage. Tragically, in neighboring Indiana, state police confirmed the loss of three lives in Randolph County during the severe weather event on Thursday night, underscoring the deadly nature of the storms.
As the violent weather system continued its rampage, Cincinnati found itself in the crosshairs of the storm around 10 p.m., with the threat of severe weather persisting into the night along the Ohio River. Residents were urged to remain vigilant as all modes of severe weather, including strong winds, large hail, and tornadoes, remained possible. Prior to the storm hitting Cincinnati, southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky had already experienced tornado warnings, resulting in significant damage in communities like Switzerland County and Gallatin County.
Despite the intensity of the storms, forecasters anticipated a gradual weakening by early morning, with temperatures plummeting into the 50s and 40s by the afternoon. The aftermath of the storms left a chilling reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need for preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.