Ohio And Indiana Hit By Suspected Tornadoes: Fatalities And Devastation Reported

Severe storms unleashed multiple likely tornadoes across Ohio and Indiana on Thursday. Areas in northern and central Ohio were pummeled by massive storms Thursday night as severe weather continues to sweep through the state.

In Huron County, the National Weather Service issued a warning about a ‘very dangerous half-mile tornado on the ground.’

The NWS emphasized the potential for significant damage to homes and structures, stating,

“This is a very serious and dangerous tornado on the ground.”

In Logan County, a mass casualty incident was reported following the path of a destructive tornado.

“Debris scatters the ground near damaged homes following a severe tornado (Credit: Toronto Star)

One resident shared on “X,” that he narrowly missed the tornado by two minutes.

Logan County Sheriff Randall Dodds confirmed three fatalities and multiple injuries, withholding victim identities.

Search and rescue operations persist overnight and into the morning. Lakeview, bordering the southeast of Indian Lake, remains a popular Ohio family destination.

Structural damage evident, with blown-out windows and poles piercing rooftops. The tornado struck near Indian Lake’s southern tip, impacting Lakeview, Russells Point, and Lakeside RV Park after 8 p.m.

Sheri Timmers, Logan County spokesperson, confirmed injuries, but details on conditions remain unavailable. A shelter accommodates displaced individuals.

In Indiana, state police informed NBC News initially of three fatalities in Randolph County during severe Thursday night weather.

However, according to NBC affiliate WTHR, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) stated shortly before midnight that these deaths remained unconfirmed. IDHS mentioned ongoing efforts by state and local officials to verify the initial reports.

Officials confirmed storm damage to dozens of homes and multiple injuries.In Cincinnati, severe storms dominated Thursday afternoon.

Tornado warnings resulted in damage across southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky. Switzerland County and Gallatin County bore heavy damage, following tornado warnings.