Midwest Storms Leave Deaths, Widespread Damage and Power Outages
Severe storms tore through the Midwest this week, spawning tornadoes, flash flooding, and destructive winds that left hundreds of thousands without power and claimed at least three lives. The system, which moved from Iowa into Indiana and Ohio, brought historic flooding and damage that officials are calling some of the worst on record.
In Indiana, a 4-year-old boy was killed when a tree fell on a home in Geneva during Tuesday's storms, according to the Jennings County Sheriff's Office. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine reported that a resident of Roseville died during a health emergency when first responders could not reach them due to flooded roads. Officials in Portage, Indiana, are investigating whether severe weather contributed to a house explosion that killed one person.
What areas were hit hardest by the storms?
Storm damage stretched from the Chicago area to western Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes in counties south of Chicago. A wind gust of 99 mph was recorded in Gary, Indiana, with numerous reports of gusts exceeding 80 mph across the region.
The system qualified as a derecho, a prolonged straight-line wind event that can cause damage comparable to tornadoes or hurricanes, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
In Ohio, Gov. DeWine surveyed the hardest-hit areas by helicopter and called the flooding extent “stunning.” He noted that communities in Perry County and surrounding areas have faced water challenges before, but “this is certainly the worst.”
How many people are without power?
More than 650,000 customers were without power Wednesday afternoon across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, according to poweroutage.us. American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, identified more than 100 broken poles and 650 downed wire spans. About 76,000 of its customers remained without electricity, even after crews restored service to 135,000.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther declared an emergency Wednesday to allow the city to focus on power outages and cleanup.
What rescues and injuries have been reported?
First responders conducted numerous water rescues in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. In Athens County, Ohio, nearly 300 people called 911 for help on Tuesday, including 42 involving vehicles stuck in floods. Gov. DeWine deployed 40 Ohio Army National Guard members to assist in two counties east of Columbus.
Lightning struck a prison complex southwest of Cleveland on Tuesday, injuring 16 incarcerated people. Four remained hospitalized as of Wednesday, including one with severe injuries, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections.
Kaitlyn Rodgers of Crooksville, Ohio, described how floodwaters rushed into her home early Tuesday, reaching knee-deep and stranding her family. Firefighters rescued them by boat in the predawn darkness. “Water just started pouring into the house,” she said. “I was afraid that my children were going to get shocked.”
How are communities responding?
Residents in the Chicago area and Indiana reported downed trees, damaged roofs, and flooded streets. Javid Jenkins of Homewood, a Chicago suburb, said, “No power. It was very scary. We were down in the basement. We're built for snow. We're built for cold. We're not built for this.”
Kerry Hourigan of Tinley Park, another Chicago suburb, stood outside her home of 25 years and said, “Total devastation. No roof. Stupid thing, but my focus was I just bought a new barbecue grill, and I have no idea where that is. It's disappeared.”
What should Iowa residents watch for?
While Iowa was not the hardest-hit state, the storm system originated there, and forecasters warn that severe thunderstorm and heavy rainfall threats continue across the Plains, Midwest, Ohio Valley, and central Appalachians in the coming days. Flood warnings stretched from northern Illinois to eastern Indiana, with flash flood watches in parts of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Dayton, Ohio, set a daily rainfall record with 2.07 inches, shattering a mark set in 1915, according to the weather service.
Officials urge residents in affected areas to avoid flooded roads, heed local warnings, and check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical needs. As cleanup continues, utility crews are working around the clock to restore power and clear debris.