Ohio Governor has declared a state of emergency in 11 counties across central Ohio following severe weather that struck the region last week. The emergency declaration was announced by the Governor on Sunday in response to the devastation caused by the storms.
The affected counties include Logan, Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union. The declaration mobilizes all relevant state departments and agencies to provide assistance in the response and recovery efforts.
Logan County, one of the hardest-hit regions, saw three confirmed deaths as a result of the storms. The Ohio National Guard has been activated to aid in the cleanup of storm debris on public property in Logan County.
The National Weather Service confirmed the occurrence of nine tornadoes in Ohio, including an EF-3 tornado that caused significant damage in southern Auglaize County and northern Logan County. EF-3 tornadoes are known for their destructive winds ranging from 136 to 165 mph.
Additionally, EF-2 tornadoes were reported in central Union County, as well as in Darke, Miami, and Crawford/Richland counties. These tornadoes are characterized by winds reaching speeds of 111 to 135 mph.
The severe weather also impacted neighboring states, with trails of destruction observed in parts of Kentucky, Indiana, and Arkansas. In Indiana, about 40 people were injured, and numerous homes were damaged in one community. Tornadoes were also reported in Illinois and Missouri.
The state of emergency declaration aims to facilitate a coordinated response to the aftermath of the severe weather and ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
