At least three people died due to severe storms in the U.S. Midwest. The weather events caused widespread flooding, high winds, and infrastructure damage across multiple states.
In Indiana, a 4-year-old child died in Geneva Township after a tree fell on his home, according to Jennings County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Cody Low, who said the death was 'probably wind and the storms that came through this county earlier today.' In Portage, Indiana, one person died following a suspected weather-related house explosion and subsequent fire.
In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine reported that one person died in Roseville after emergency crews were unable to reach them due to flooding. Following the widespread flooding, Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency, with reports specifying the proclamation was signed for Perry and Muskingum counties.
The storms caused significant disruptions to utility services. As of Wednesday morning, more than 800,000 electricity customers in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky were without power, according to Poweroutage.us.
Utility provider AEP reported that the Columbus, Ohio, area experienced wind gusts exceeding 80 mph. Mayor Andrew Ginther stated at a news conference that power could be out for days, noting that 'things are not going to be fully restored and back to normal later today or tomorrow, the day after that.'
Electricity customers without power in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky as of Wednesday morning.
Wind and Tornado Activity
The U.S. National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes near Chicago, both producing EF1-level damage. In Gary, Indiana, the National Weather Service's storm prediction center recorded straight-line winds, known as derecho, at speeds of 99 mph.
AEP stated it had more than 2,000 workers, including crews from other states, attempting to restore electricity. In Columbus, Ohio, wind gusts reached more than 80 mph.
Local Impact and Emergency Response
In Grafton, Ohio, sixteen inmates at a prison were taken to hospitals after lightning struck as they were returning from dinner. Flash flood warnings affected 16 million people on Wednesday.
Portage Police Captain Rob Maynard described the storms as 'probably the most severe weather event that any of us here can remember.' Portage Police Chief Mike Candiano said, 'It seemed that every road had a tree down.'
It seemed that every road had a tree down
