Three tornadoes spun across central Ohio during a round of strong Thursday night thunderstorms, snapping trees, tossing debris and damaging a handful of structures, according to preliminary storm surveys. Despite the unsettling skies, officials say there were no reported injuries as county crews worked overnight to clear roads and check outbuildings, while emergency responders stayed on alert and National Weather Service teams traced the damage paths.
The National Weather Service office in Cleveland released a damage survey confirming that a brief EF0 tornado touched down southwest of Fredericktown in Knox County, tearing part of a metal barn roof and lofting debris into a nearby field. Surveyors estimated peak winds around 75 mph and a path length of roughly 0.08 miles, according to NWS Cleveland. Forecasters noted that ratings could be refined as additional reports and photos arrive from the public.
Damage surveys and local impact
Survey work and local coverage that cite National Weather Service teams identified an EF1 tornado east-northeast of Mount Gilead in Morrow County, with estimated peak winds near 95 mph and a track about 1.53 miles long. A 60-by-100-foot outbuilding was destroyed along that path, according to WBNS, which also notes a separate touchdown near Kenton in Hardin County. Across the affected areas, damage included scattered roof issues and tree damage, but officials reported no injuries along the paths in Morrow or Knox counties.
Where this fits in Ohio's storm seasons
Last year set a high bar for severe weather in the state. The National Weather Service reports that Ohio logged 74 confirmed tornadoes in 2024, a new state record that topped the previous mark and highlighted why survey teams move quickly to document every new event, according to NOAA/NWS. Those detailed surveys help emergency managers prioritize where to send resources and give officials the data they need when considering recovery efforts or potential aid.
Officials are asking anyone with photos, video or storm observations from Thursday night to share them with county emergency management offices and National Weather Service survey teams so the assessments can be finalized. Residents are urged to steer clear of downed power lines and unstable structures and to keep an eye on local alerts as cleanup and repairs continue.
