From staff and wire reports
LAKEVIEW — Tornadoes tore through Ohio Thursday killing three people and leaving more than two dozen others injured in an area around Indian Lake just northwest of Columbus
UPDATE 3/16/24 9:14 a.m.: This article has been updated with new information throughout.
The National Weather Service confirmed at least six tornadoes touched down in western and central Ohio Thursday, including the powerful F3 twister that devastated communities in the Indian Lake area in Logan County, an EF2 tornado near Broadway in central Union County and an EF1 tornado that touched down in central Delaware County and traveled through north-central Licking County.
The worst hit communities were the villages of Lakeview and Russells Point, which were in the path of the F3 tornado that struck near Orchard Island on the shore of Indian Lake.
Three people died in that storm, said Sheriff Randy Dodds, who told a news conference at Indian Lake High School Friday afternoon that search and rescue efforts had concluded.
Reportedly, hospital officials confirmed that 25 people were treated for injuries.
Gov. Mike DeWine, who assessed the damage and met with residents, said at the same news conference it was fortunate the storm did not hit on a summer weekend.
Tornadoes were also confirmed in Mercer, Darke, Miami, Crawford and Richland counties.
Communities devastated
The storm sheared off the tops of homes and damaged a campground and laundromat, leaving twisted metal wrapped in the tops of trees. Snowplows cleared debris from roads.
The storm produced fires in some spots and draped power lines through home windows, said Amber Fagan, president of the local chamber of commerce.
“There’s places burning,” Fagan said. “There’s power lines through people’s windows.”
Many of the homes in the area are used as summer cottages by people who come for fishing and boating.
Blaine Schmidt, 34, was inside his house in Lakeview and heard tornado sirens moments before the storm hit his house. He took shelter in his bathtub, using the shower curtain to protect him from broken glass along with his roommate, Greg McDougle, 60.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” Schmidt said.
Governor mobilizes state resources
The Ohio Department of Health is deploying a generator and mass fatality supplies to support the local hospital and is working with the Logan County Health Department to secure grief counselors and monitor the need for volunteers to help in relief efforts, according to the office of Gov. Mike DeWine.
“Fran and I are deeply saddened by those impacted by the tornadoes and severe storms,” DeWine said. “Ohioans will come together as they always do with resilience and compassion as we support and rebuild our communities.”
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Department of Transportation are assisting local communities in the path of the storms.
The Ohio Department of Insurance has toolkit on its website at insurance.ohio.gov to help navigate the claims process.
Where to go
The Red Cross set up shelters at the Bellefontaine First Church of God, 1000 East Brown Avenue, and has relocated its Delaware County shelter to Vineyard Church, 1001 W. Cherry Street in Sunbury.
Those needing assistance from the American Red Cross should call 1-800-RedCross.
Lifecare Alliance reports their drivers are unable to deliver Meals-on-Wheels to about 30 clients on the west side of Indian Lake following storms, president and CEO Chuck Gehring said.
The organization is trying to reach out make contingency plans for the weekend.
Ways to help
Donations of batteries, toiletries, garbage bags, wok gloves, paper products and other items can be made at Indian Lake High School.
The United Way said it is also accepting donations.