Several buildings sustained serious damage and power lines were taken down when a tornado touched down and swept through parts of Auglaize and Mercer Counties. To hear comments from Mercer County EMA Director Chad Wilrath, Auglaize County EMA Director Troy Anderson and Auglaize County Sheriff Mike Vorhees:

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For updated comments with Chad Wilrath:

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And Troy Anderson:

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The following is a Press Release from Chad Wilrath:

Media Release

On the evening of 5/7/2024, Mercer County experienced a weather event which caused damage to structures in the county. Today, the National Weather Service is conducting aerial surveys of the damage to Mercer County and other counties affected by this weather event. There were several reports and videos of funnel clouds and tornados taken last evening in our area. The weather service will issue a report on this event soon.

Damage was mainly noted to the area of State Route 219 west of the village of Coldwater. This area extends from Township Line Road to Wabash Road with the majority of the damage in the Burrville, St. Peter, and Wabash Roads. The damage did extend north and south of this area. There are several barns and buildings with significant damage as well as a few residences with damage.

Another area with damage is the Guadalupe Road area near the Mercer/Auglaize County Line. There are a few barns and a residence with damage in this area.

The Mercer County Emergency Management Office has been in contact with State partners at Ohio EMA throughout this event. Our office is completing initial damage assessments for Mercer County to be submitted to the State.

The Red Cross will have representatives in the County today assessing damage and providing assistance as needed.

As of 1055 hrs 5/8/24 Midwest Electric was experiencing a power outage affecting approximately 225 members. The Midwest Electric spokesperson advised residents to view their Facebook site for updates as to when power will be restored.

The staff of the Mercer County EMA would like to extend recognition to those first responders who assisted the Citizen’s of Mercer County.

Director Willrath