Columbus Declares Emergency After Derecho Causes Widespread Damage
Columbus Declares Emergency After Derecho Causes Widespread Damage
US · Published Aug 13, 2026
Columbus, Ohio, is under a state of emergency following a severe derecho that struck the region on Tuesday, August 11,
The storm caused significant damage, including winds reaching 82 mph (132 km/h) at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. One fatality was reported in southeast Ohio, and several prisoners were injured by a lightning strike in Lorain County. The storm damaged homes, uprooted trees, and tore the roof off the Barack Community Center. While a tornado warning was issued for Madison County, no tornado watch was declared for Franklin County, leading to questions from residents. Governor Mike DeWine has activated the National Guard to assist with recovery efforts, particularly in flood-affected areas like Roseville. Power outages remain widespread, with American Electric Power (AEP) working to restore electricity to tens of thousands of customers.

Impact & Risks

The derecho caused extensive damage across Ohio, with Columbus and surrounding areas particularly hard-hit. Flooding in southeast Ohio has isolated some communities, and fallen trees and power lines have left many residents without electricity. The storm's high winds caused structural damage, including the destruction of the Barack Community Center's roof. In Lorain County, 16 prisoners were struck by lightning, with four sustaining severe injuries. The storm has also disrupted daily life, with debris cleanup and power restoration expected to take days. Emergency services have been stretched thin, with Columbus deploying all fire units for the first time in its history.

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