WILMINGTON — No tornadoes were on the ground, but Thursday night’s rotating storms in Clinton County produced downburst winds that were tornado-like in both their intensity and the damage caused, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington.
Meteorologist Chris Hogue told the News Journal Friday that multiple storms rolled through Clinton and surrounding counties that had the potential to form tornadoes. Based on radar data as well as damage reports, there were no tornadoes, but the storms produced winds equivalent to an F0 or F1 tornado.
Hogue said winds in the 60- to 70-mile per hour range were recorded at the Wilmington facility — until their wind sensor was knocked out.
Radar data showed that winds may have been higher in other parts of Clinton County.
“Straight-line winds can produce a lot of damage, especially to trees, shingles and siding, and barns, and there have been many reports of damage,” he said.
Lines downed
According to Dayton Power & Light (DP&L), the most damage in its service area occurred in Fayette and Clinton counties, and impacted nearly 15,000 customers.
“Over 30 transmission poles were impacted by the straight line winds,” said DP&L Director of Corporate Communications Mary Ann Kabel. “Crews have been out since last night working hard, and we hope that the individuals still without power will be restored (Friday). They are out replacing those poles.”
Kabel said that, at the outages’ peak, 2,545 Clinton County customers were without power. That number stood at around 1,000 at mid-afternoon Friday, by far the largest number in the counties served by DP&L.
Tax relief?
Temporary tax relief may be available to owners whose property was damaged by the storms, Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl announced Friday. For more details, please see the separate article in today’s News Journal.
