Rescue efforts are underway Friday as crews look through the aftermath of a deadly tornadoes Thursday night.
The storms moved through central Ohio, with reports of heavy damage mainly in the areas of Indian Lake, Lakeview, Midway, Russells Point, Santa Fe and Orchard Island in Logan County. Delaware County also received significant damage.
The powerful weather system destroyed homes, leveled businesses and knocked down powerlines.
WHAT WE KNOW:
- The National Weather Service confirmed an EF2 tornado near Orchard Island in Logan County. The same tornado passed through Lakeview as an EF3
- At least three people died, according to the Logan County Sheriff's Office.
- At least 25 victims were seen in emergency rooms. Conditions range from stable to serious.
- Indian Lake Schools, and other buildings being used as shelters for impacted residents
- Rescue crews searched areas that they couldn't get to last night.
Confirmed tornado in Logan County
The National Weather Service confirmed at least high-end EF2 tornado damage near Orchard Island. The weather agency said the same tornado ripped through Lakeview as an EF3 tornado.
The NWS said more information would be released at a later time once the survey teams reviewed the scope of the damage. At least five other tornadoes were confirmed across the state.
Injuries and fatalities
At least three people died because of Thursday night's storms, according to Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds. The identities of the victims have not been released as authorities work to notify the next of kin.
Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine confirmed at least 25 people were taken to its emergency room as of 10 a.m. on Friday. The injuries range from bruises to broken bones and internal injuries. The conditions of the victims range from stable to serious. Four victims were taken to Grant Medical Center with mild to moderate injuries, according to an OhioHealth spokesperson.
Rescue efforts
Sheriff Dodds said crews concluded rescue efforts and there were no other reported injuries or deaths outside of what was already confirmed early Friday morning.
Ways to help/donate
Donations such as batteries, toiletries, garbage bags, work gloves, paper products and other items can be made at Indian Lake High School.
The United Way said it is also accepting donations through multiple businesses, which can be seen here.
Power outages
Thousands of people are without power throughout central Ohio, mostly in Logan and Delaware counties.
The National Weather Service said it plans to survey storm damage on Friday in the following counties:
- Darke/Miami counties
- Mercer/Auglaize counties
- Logan County
- Delaware/Licking Counties
Indian Lake Schools canceled classes on March 15 but will be open as a shelter for those whose homes sustained damage in the storm. They said their power was out and are relying on backup generators.
Several buildings in Logan County are open as shelters for residents impacted by the storm.
- Indian Lake Skating Rink — 330 Taylor Street
- Indian Lake Schools
- Lighthouse — 121 South Orchard Island Road
- Indian Lake Community Church — 121 North Orchard Island Road
- Church of God (Russells Point) — 432 OH-708
- West Liberty Church of God
- Huntsville Fire Department — 6750 Wishart Street
Gov. Mike DeWine released a statement Friday morning, saying he and his wife, Fran, are deeply saddened about the impact of the storms.
“We share the grief of the families who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Ohioans will come together as they always do with resilience and compassion as we support and rebuild our communities," DeWine said.
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