Severe Storms & Weather in Dayton, OH
A series of devastating tornadoes and severe storms ripped through 17 counties in the western half of Ohio, leaving one dead and about 90 injured. Gov. Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency for three counties that suffered serious damage including Greene, Mercer and Montgomery. The National Weather Service reports that each county was hit by EF3 tornadoes with winds up to 165 miles an hour. The hardest-hit areas were the cities of Celina, Dayton, Trotwood and Circleville. Tens of thousands are without electricity and water. Although no churches report significant damage, New City Church sustained minimal damage with broken windows and roof damage.
Volunteers from McKinley, Aley, Ginghamsburg and Hoffman United Methodist churches are providing shelter, meals, bottled water, showers and cellphone charging stations to those in need. County Emergency Management Agency directors are on the ground in affected areas and are assessing damage. Once the safety measures and damage assessments are complete, volunteer teams will be invited into the area to assist in cleanup and rebuilding. Learn more.