Severe storms caused widespread flooding and a mass-casualty response across Ohio Tuesday, prompting the deployment of National Guard members and sending 16 inmates to hospitals.
Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in Perry and Muskingum counties due to severe flooding and activated 40 members of the Ohio Army National Guard to assist with emergency rescues and evacuations.
The soldiers are assigned to the 1484th Transportation Company in North Canton and the 1485th Transportation Company in Coshocton. They are using 20 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to reach residents and support evacuation efforts in flooded areas.
In a separate storm-related incident, 16 inmates were hospitalized after lightning struck at the Grafton Reintegration Center in Lorain County.
According to News 5, the men were outside and returning from dinner at approximately 5:30 p.m. when the lightning struck. All 16 were taken to hospitals for treatment, including one inmate who was transported by helicopter.
No deaths have been reported in connection with the lightning strike. The conditions of the injured inmates have not been released.
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