High winds tore across Union County on Friday afternoon, snapping tree limbs and hurling debris onto roads and into homes. Emergency crews spent hours bouncing from call to call as multiple storm-related incidents piled up, including at least two houses that suffered structural damage from falling trees and ripped roofing.
911 Center Handles Days’ Worth of Calls in Three Hours
In a post from the Union County Sheriff's Office - Marysville, OH, officials said the county’s 9-1-1 center fielded 152 calls between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., about as many as it would normally see over four days. The post described an “overwhelming surge” of calls in that three-hour window, while Union County EMA director Brad Gilbert praised dispatchers and first responders for managing the “incredible volume” with professionalism and determination. EMA staff were also sent to the communications center to help coordinate resources as the situation escalated.
Trees Drop, Trucks Overturn and Power Infrastructure Takes a Hit
County officials reported a storm trail that included downed power lines, overturned semi-trucks, broken utility poles, transformer fires, and multiple fire-alarm activations across the region. One house took heavy damage when a large tree crashed onto it, and a second home lost part of its roof to the wind. Branches and other storm debris littered roadways, making travel tricky and leaving some routes temporarily blocked.
Road Crews Fan Out as Officials Urge Residents To Take Care
Crews from the Union County Engineer's Office and ODOT moved quickly to clear trees and debris from roads, while utility workers tackled power outages and damaged poles. Officials said they were not reporting any serious injuries tied to the storm, but urged residents to stay alert, keep clear of downed lines, and avoid driving through flooded or obstructed roads. For emergencies, residents are advised to call 9-1-1, and to use the Union County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 937-645-4110 for other concerns.
Brad Gilbert is listed as the media contact for the county EMA, and his office provided a phone number and email address for news outlets. County officials said they plan to share additional updates as crews finish damage assessments and restore services.
