Severe Midwest Storms Cause Damage and Fatalities
First responders and utility crews worked through the night to clear trees and wires from roads after severe storms struck the Midwest. Tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding caused significant damage and power outages for hundreds of thousands. In Geneva, Indiana, a tree fell on a home, killing a 4-year-old boy, as confirmed by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office. In Roseville, Ohio, a resident died during a health emergency when flooded roads prevented first responders from reaching them. Authorities in Portage, Indiana, are investigating whether severe weather contributed to a reported house explosion resulting in one death.
Lightning struck a prison complex near Cleveland, injuring 16 inmates who were hospitalized, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections. The storms affected areas from Chicago to western Pennsylvania, and the National Weather Service predicts continuing severe weather in the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and central Appalachians.
Poweroutage.us reported more than 700,000 customers were without power in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes occurred in counties south of Chicago. Water rescues were necessary during heavy rains in several states, leading Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to deploy 40 National Guard members to aid in counties east of Columbus.
Tornado sirens sounded on Tuesday as skies darkened over Chicago. Flights were halted temporarily at Chicago’s major airports due to weather delays. Social media images from the region showed flooded roads, power line entangled trees, and homes with roof damage.
“No power. It was very scary. We were down in the basement,” said Javid Jenkins from Homewood, a Chicago suburb. Jenkins, 54, sought gas for a generator to preserve food.
A wind gust of 99 mph was recorded in Gary, Indiana, with several reports of 80 mph gusts elsewhere. Preliminary data indicated the system, moving from Iowa to Indiana, met criteria for a derecho, producing straight-line winds and heavy rain.
“Total devastation. No roof,” said Kerry Hourigan in Tinley Park, a Chicago suburb. Hourigan noted her new barbecue grill had disappeared after the storm.
Meteorologist Scott Baker described the Midwest experiencing a “ring of fire,” with excessive moisture, instability, and storms. Dayton, Ohio, recorded 2.07 inches of rain, surpassing a 1915 record. Forecasters anticipate continued flood risks in the Ohio Valley through early Friday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.