Storms leave damage, flooding across Columbus – Spectrum News

Storms leave damage, flooding across Columbus  Spectrum News

Ginther said it's similar to a Level 3 snow emergency in terms of disastrous conditions. COLUMBUS, Ohio — Strong storms swept across Columbus on Tuesday, leading to flooding, downed powerlines and damage. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said 82 mph winds were recorded at John Glenn International Airport, stating that the southside of the city was hit the hardest. "My top concern is the safety and wellbeing of our residents," Ginther said. The Columbus Fire Department has responded to more than 100 calls to 911, according to Ginther. "We had a lot of buildings that had their roofs ripped off by the storm, several vehicles turned over and the buildings that had substantial damage," said Assistant Chief David Baugh.

"We made sure we did a search to make sure there was nobody injured or trapped, and then we're not, we're currently conducting a secondary search of the storm in the southend to make sure there was no one that was left behind." Baugh said no injuries have been reported as of Tuesday afternoon. Baugh is urging residents to avoid driving through high water, stay away from downed power lines, and if severe weather hits, to take shelter. Deputy Chief Rob Sagle of the Columbus Division of Police said additional traffic officers have been brought in to help support changes in traffic