LOGAN COUNTY, Ohio — Three people who died last week as an EF3 tornado ripped through areas of Logan County have been identified.
The Logan County Sheriff's Office identified the three victims as 81-year-old Marilyn Snapp, 70-year-old Darla Williams, and 69-year-old Neal Longfellow. Both women were residents of the Geiger Mobile Home Park on Harrison Street in Lakeview. Longfellow lived close by in Orchard Island.
Their deaths occurred as powerful storms moved through the state Thursday night. Eight tornadoes hit the state, including three in central Ohio.
The strongest one was the EF3, which hit Lakeview, bringing winds of at least 136 mph. The tornado weakened slightly to an EF2 as it struck Orchard Park where multiple boats were flipped over.
Thursday's storms caused significant damage throughout the state, mostly in Logan County, but most areas saw trees damaged and roofs ripped off. Licking County saw an EF1 tornado move through the Johnstown area while Crawford and Richland counties had an EF2 tornado. An EF2 tornado touched down in Union County. Three tornadoes hit western Ohio and another EF1 landed in Hancock County.
The communities around Indian Lake will now spend the next several months picking up the pieces and rebuilding what was destroyed. Downed wires and debris scattered the area after the storm came through with thousands losing power.
About 25 people were treated for mostly broken bones and internal injuries at the nearest hospital in Bellefontaine, said Laura Miller, a spokesperson for Mary Rutan Hospital.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in 11 affected counties on Sunday and activated the Ohio National Guard to help Logan County officials with clean up.
Storm damage in Logan County/Delaware County
The declaration orders state departments and agencies to lend their services, equipment, supplies and personnel to assist in response and recovery efforts.
A team from the 200th REDHORSE Squadron was deployed to Logan County Sunday morning to conduct an assessment of what support will be needed, according to DeWine’s office.