US: Destructive storms hit Ohio May 27-28

Event

A severe weather system moved through the state of Ohio on Monday, May 27, into Tuesday, May 28, causing extensive damages, power outages, and transportation disruptions. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the hardest hit areas include Celina, New Madison, Laura, Dayton, and Laurelville. Multiple tornadoes reportedly touched down in the Dayton area on Monday night, destroying buildings and lifting debris. Parts of Interstate 75 have been blocked by debris and state officials asked people to avoid traveling on the interstate north of downtown Dayton. Emergency crews have been deployed to clear the roads. Structural damages were also reported the Laurelville area around 01:10 (local time) on Tuesday. Over 80,000 customers throughout Ohio experiencing power outages as of Tuesday morning. Officials are asking people to avoid traveling into the city of Celina due to severe damages and the risk of live wires from power lines being cut.

As of early Tuesday morning, officials are still determining the extent of the damages and Dayton Power & Light has warned that it may take multiple days to restore power. Residual transportation, power, and telecommunication disruptions are expected in the area over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate power, telecommunication, and transportation disruptions, including adverse driving conditions and road closures, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.