A gas station canopy in Columbus' South Linden neighborhood got blown over by strong winds from severe storms that moved through the city and central Ohio around 10 a.m. Aug. 11.
Uncle MAX Gas Station
, located at 1221 E. Hudson St., is seen in a TikTok video posted around 12:30 p.m. The gas station's canopy was knocked down, blocking the view of the gas station and convenience store from East Hudson Street.Cruz, an auto technician at AR Auto Service located across East Hudson from the gas station and who preferred not to give his first name, said strong winds were rocking the canopy before it fell. He said his car was parked nearby, and he was afraid the canopy would crush it, but it fell the opposite direction.
The sound of the canopy tipping
wasn't very loud, Cruz said. To him, it sounded like a bunch of sheet metal coming down.
The damage to the canopy with winds coming out of the west/northwest may be part of a possible tornado reported in the University District that heavily damaged trees and downed wires. The National Weather Service is expected to send a team later this week to investigate that possibility.
AR Auto Service at 1212 E. Hudson St., which is located on the North Linden side of the street, only experienced a temporary loss of power, but no physical damage.
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Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
- Once inside a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment or plumbing.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of power loss.
- Secure loose objects outside, as they can become dangerous during high winds.
- Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
Also, remember lightning can travel several miles from a storm, so hearing thunder means you're within striking distance. The common advice from experts is "When thunder roars, go indoors."
How to stay safe around lightning
If indoors:
- Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity, according to the weather service.
- Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, faucets and even toilets, if you can.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrete floors or against concrete walls.
If in a vehicle:
- Ensure all windows are fully closed.
- Refrain from touching radios, ignition systems, or any metal parts connected to the vehicle's exterior.
- Stay inside the vehicle until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
What to do if a vehicle is struck by lightning
- Stay inside. Your car acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electricity around you and protecting you.
- Keep hands on your lap and away from metal surfaces .
- Do not touchthe radio, dashboard, or any electrical components.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before exiting.
Dispatch reporter Nora Igelnik can be reached at nigelnik@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Severe weather topples South Linden gas station
