OHIO — The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Defiance County, Ohio, following severe storms that moved through the area on March 31.
According to the National Weather Service office in northern Indiana, a damage survey conducted Wednesday found that one tornado developed within a larger area of storm-related wind damage across the southwest and south-central portions of the county.
The tornado was rated EF-1, with peak wind speeds reaching approximately 95 miles per hour. Officials said it touched down southeast of Hicksville and traveled about 2.7 miles.
Damage from the tornado included minor tree damage in wooded areas, the destruction of a large pole barn on Clemmer Road, and significant damage to a newly constructed single-family home, where much of the roof was torn away.
In addition to the tornado, much of the surrounding damage in southern Defiance County was attributed to straight-line winds ranging from 60 to 80 miles per hour.
Heavy rainfall from the storms also caused flooding across the region, leading to road closures and hazardous travel conditions due to high water.
Officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
