Last week, severe tornadoes wreaked havoc in Ohio, claiming the lives of three individuals due to storm-related injuries. The victims have been identified as a 70-year-old woman named Darla Williams, an 81-year-old woman named Marilyn Snapp, and a 69-year-old man named Neal Longfellow.
Williams and Snapp resided in the Geiger Mobile Home Park in Lakeview, while Longfellow lived in the nearby Orchard Island area. These communities bore the brunt of the severe weather that swept through parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Arkansas, leaving a trail of destruction and causing injuries to dozens of individuals.
The central Ohio region was hit by at least nine tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, with the most devastating tornado being classified as an EF-3. This tornado originated in southern Auglaize County near Fryburg and tore through the Lakeview area in northern Logan County, approximately 70 miles northwest of Columbus. EF-3 tornadoes are known to have wind speeds ranging from 136 to 165 mph.
Additionally, EF-2 tornadoes, with wind speeds of up to 111 to 135 mph, were confirmed in central Union County, as well as in Darke and Miami counties, along with Crawford/Richland counties.
Recovery efforts are ongoing, with crews working tirelessly to clear debris, including fallen trees and materials from damaged or destroyed homes. Some areas are still grappling with power outages, although progress has been made in restoring electrical service to many affected customers.