Severe storms ripped through multiple central U.S. states, unleashing probable tornadoes that caused extensive damage to homes and businesses. Tragically, at least three lives were lost, and authorities fear that more fatalities might be uncovered.
Thursday night’s storms wreaked havoc across several states, causing extensive damage and resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. The affected states include Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Arkansas, with tornadoes also suspected in Illinois and Missouri.
According to county spokesperson Sheri Timmers, the villages of Lakeview and Russells Point were left devastated by what is believed to be a tornado. Timmers reported that an RV park was damaged in the process and there are expected to be numerous injuries.
According to Amber Fagan, president of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Lakeview was devastated by the storm. The destructive force of the storm leveled homes, campgrounds, and even a laundromat.
She exclaimed, “Places are burning, and power lines are going through people’s windows.”
Blaine Schmidt, a 34-year-old resident of Lakeview, found himself caught in the midst of a storm that swept through his neighborhood. As the tornado sirens blared, he quickly sought refuge inside his house. Sensing the imminent danger, he and his 60-year-old roommate, Greg McDougle, sought shelter in the bathtub. They used the shower curtain as a shield against the potential hazards of shattered glass.
“I consider myself fortunate to still be breathing,” Schmidt expressed gratefully.
Around 40 individuals sustained injuries in Winchester, Indiana, as a result of a suspected tornado, according to officials. As of Friday morning, no fatalities were reported.
“I’m feeling shaken and overwhelmed,” expressed Bob McCoy, the mayor of a small town with a population of 4,700, located approximately 70 miles northeast of Indianapolis. He recalled, “I distinctly heard a sound similar to that of a train, which was soon followed by the blaring sirens.”
They found themselves taking shelter in a closet as the tornado struck at approximately 8 p.m.
“I’ve never heard that sound before, and I really don’t want to ever hear it again,” McCoy expressed.
According to Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner, the Walmart store and Taco Bell restaurant in Winchester were damaged by the storm. As a result, travel within the county is currently limited to emergency management workers only.
Emergency management officials in Selma, a town with a population of 750 located west of Winchester, have reported that as many as half of the structures in the area have been damaged by a potential tornado. However, the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency has stated that only minor injuries have been reported so far.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb took to Facebook on Thursday night to address the severe weather that has affected residents across the state. In his post, he emphasized the presence of emergency response personnel in the impacted areas, acknowledging the challenges faced by Hoosiers in dealing with the aftermath of the weather conditions.
The Winchester school district announced on Friday via a Facebook post that it would be closed for the day. However, the high school in Winchester remained open, providing a warm and dry space for those in need.
Officials in Huron County, located in northern Ohio, have reported that homes have been damaged and trees have been toppled due to a suspected tornado. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
In Indiana, the communities of Hanover and Lamb along the Ohio River were also hit by storms, causing damage to homes and trailers.
According to Sgt. Stephen Wheeles of the Indiana State Police, a suspected tornado hit Jefferson County, located on the Ohio River north of Louisville, Kentucky. The impact of the tornado resulted in the destruction of homes, as well as the toppling of trees and power lines.
He shared pictures on X that showcased a house with its roof ripped off and another one where the roof shingles were missing. He also included a photograph of a hailstone the size of a baseball.
According to the Courier Journal of Louisville, Andrew Stark, the Emergency Management Director of Trimble County in Kentucky, reported that the recent storms caused significant damage to approximately 50 structures, including homes.
According to a statement from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the town of Milton has experienced significant damage, with potentially more than 100 structures being affected.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Erik Green, a retirement community in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, was hit by a suspected tornado. The community is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Little Rock.
According to Green, there is no doubt that a tornado struck Hot Springs Village. Assessment teams are scheduled to visit the area on Friday to verify the occurrence of the twister.
According to Green, baseball-sized hail was also reported to have fallen, resulting in some buildings being destroyed. However, there have been no reports of any fatalities or injuries.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that tornadoes may have occurred in Jefferson County, Missouri and Monroe County, Illinois. However, there have been no immediate reports of any damage caused. Additionally, large pieces of hail were also reported in certain areas of the St. Louis region on Thursday afternoon.
