United States Severe Weather Injures 16 Ohio Inmates in Lightning Strike
United States severe weather brought severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, lightning strikes, and tornadoes to parts of the Midwest and Northeast, injuring 16 inmates at an Ohio prison, killing at least three people, and leaving more than 625,000 customers without power.
Lightning Strike Injures 16 at Ohio Prison
Lightning struck an Ohio prison during severe weather in the state on Tuesday, injuring 16 inmates. [3] The prisoners were outside during the storm, moving between buildings after an evening meal. [3] Nine of the inmates have since returned to the correctional institution, while seven remain in hospital, including one in serious condition after being airlifted. [3] No staff were injured in the strike, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in a Wednesday morning update. [3] The nature of injuries to the inmate who was airlifted from the scene has not been disclosed. [3] The lightning strike hit amid severe weather conditions across the Midwest region. [3]
Confirmed Fatalities from Storms and Flooding
At least three deaths have been confirmed in connection with the storms. [3] A four-year-old boy was killed when a falling tree struck his family's mobile home in Indiana. [3] An Indiana woman died in a home explosion amid winds over 100 mph. [3] In Ohio, another person died after first responders could not reach them quickly during flooding. [3] First response efforts were delayed as a result of the road conditions, said police captain Rob Maynard. [3] He said that although they believe the storm played a role in the woman's death, they are unable to draw final conclusions right now. [3] There were also several gas leaks as a result of the storm, which can be caused when large trees fall and disrupt underground infrastructure, Maynard added. [3] Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said the individual in Ohio died when first responders were unable to quickly reach them during a flooding emergency. [3]
Ongoing Flood Warning in Southeastern Ohio
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for northeast Athens County in southeastern Ohio until 1:00 AM EDT. [1] Flooding caused by prior excessive rainfall continues. [1] Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. [1] Several roads remain closed due to flooding. [1] At 7:44 PM EDT, flooding from heavy rainfall on Tuesday continues across portions of the area. [1] Some locations that will experience flooding include areas in northeast Athens County. [1]
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Across Multiple States
Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings were issued Tuesday evening. [2] [4] [5] A severe thunderstorm warning covered Garrard County in Kentucky, where a storm was located near Gum Sulphur moving southeast at 25 mph. [2] Hazards included 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, with radar indicated as the source. [2] Locations impacted include Stanford, Crab Orchard, Walnut Flat, Manse, Turkeytown, Point Leavell, Preachersville, Cartersville, Rowland, and Dog Walk. [2] A separate severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Rockcastle County in Kentucky, where a storm was located near Gum Sulphur or 8 miles northwest of Mount Vernon, moving southeast at 35 mph. [5] Hazards again included 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, with radar indicated. [5] This storm will be near Mount Vernon around 7:50 PM EDT, along with Maretburg and Pine Hill. [5] In New York, a severe thunderstorm warning applied to southwestern Broome County until 8:15 PM EDT. [4] A storm was located over Binghamton moving east at 30 mph, with hazards of 60 mph wind gusts and half-dollar-size hail. [4] Locations impacted include Binghamton and Johnson City. [4]
Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
Severe weather has caused widespread power outages, with more than 295,000 customers without power in Indiana, more than 185,000 in Ohio, and 145,000 in Illinois. [3] The Federal Aviation Administration issued ground stops at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports due to thunderstorms, which continue into Wednesday afternoon. [3]
Broader Severe Weather Context in the Midwest
Severe weather and flash flooding have ravaged parts of the United States Midwest in recent days, generating tornadoes, strong winds, and causing widespread power outages. [3] The National Weather Service has issued flash flooding warnings across Ohio and Indiana and confirmed that three tornadoes touched down in Chicago's south suburbs on Tuesday. [3] Footage from across the region shows homes with damaged roofs and trees that have been downed as a result of the storms. [3] "This is a very dangerous weather situation," DeWine said on Tuesday, while warning people to keep an eye on the news and use common sense. [3] "Now is the time to plan for severe weather and flooding!" the National Weather Service said, while warning of severe wind gusts strong enough to knock down trees, branches, and power lines. [3]
What to watch next: The National Weather Service flood warning for northeast Athens County remains in effect until 1:00 AM EDT, with several roads closed due to ongoing flooding from prior excessive rainfall.
