County declared disaster area in wake of tornado-like storms

One or more probable tornadoes slammed into Athens County Thursday evening, destroying homes, flattening at least one Athens business, and heavily damaging Athens High School's football stadium. A number of injuries were also reported, though no details were immediately available.

At about 9:30 p.m., Ron Lucas, public information officer for the multi-jurisdictional response to the destructive storms, issued a news release recounting known damages as of that moment. Shortly thereafter, the Athens County Commissioners were expected to meet and declare Athens County a disaster area "as a result of the severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes that struck Athens County tonight."

Thursday evening, a local photographer posted these photos on his blog.

In his release, Lucas listed the following damages from the storms:

"An unconfirmed tornado touched down in The Plains (at about 7 p.m.). The path of the storm did significant damage to the Pine-Air Village Trailer Park in the Plains. Several trailers were overturned and numerous trees are down. Evacuation efforts of Pine-Air Village are underway due to a gas line leak."

"Athens High School in The Plains was also in the path of the storm (where two air conditioners blew off the roof). Forty students (and others who had been attending a soccer game) were sheltered during the storm. Basil Rutter Field (the football stadium at AHS) reported heavy damages due to the storm." (Witnesses said the press box, visitors' bleachers and concession stand were all destroyed.)

"Damages reported in Eclipse (near The Plains) are currently being assessed. Johnson Road was closed between State Route 682 and Athens High School between 7 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. Road crews were successful in removing the large debris from the road."

"In the city of Athens, the Autotech Service Center at 2079 E. State St. was completely leveled by the storm. No injuries were reported at this site."

The York Township Fire Department reports that 15 homes were destroyed by the storm. There were numerous reports of a tornado the York Township area. Three people were transported to medical facilities. The York Township Fire Department is performing a house-to-house search along the path of the storm to ensure the well being of the residents."

"Since the start of the storm, seven people have been transported by EMS to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital. Currently, approximately 200 people are in need of shelter and are currently preparing a shelter site."

Witnesses reported seeing as many as three people being taken by stretcher from tipped-over mobile homes near Athens High School in The Plains, and evacuated by ambulances between 8:30 and 9 p.m. No further information was immediately available on injuries.

Witnesses and photos confirmed that the Autotech Service Center was destroyed, with debris scattered all over the far east side site. Nearby trees had been broken like toothpicks according to witnesses.

The National Weather Service wasn't confirming tornadoes had touched down but tornado warnings had been issued shortly before the storm struck Athens' east side and The Plains.

The Athens Messenger building, about a quarter mile away, also reportedly had roof damages, though that couldn't be immediately confirmed.

Before the storm hit, a soccer game reportedly had been underway at Athens High School, and players and others took refuge in the high school building. After the storm, according to one witness, people were frantically trying to locate friends and family members.

The Athens NEWS will provide further information as it comes in tonight and tomorrow. If anyone has substantial information about storm or tornado damages, please e-mail your information (or photos) to news@athensnews.com. If you send photos, please provide details about when and where the photos were taken, and what they depict.

Neither Ohio University nor Hocking College reported any serious damage as a result of the storm.


PHOTOS NEWS STAFF TORNADO COVERAGE
PHOTOS SCENES FROM THE STORM