After severe storms knocked out power and caused widespread damage across Ohio on Tuesday, the National Weather Service's Wilmington office is asking residents to report storm damage. Additional storms are expected Wednesday afternoon and evening.
The agency is asking residents to share photos and damage reports to help document where the strongest storms occurred. Reports can include downed tree limbs, broken power poles, uprooted trees, damage to homes and vehicles, and flooding affecting roads or buildings.
Here's how to submit a report.
How Ohioans can report storm damage to the National Weather Service
The National Weather Service encouraged residents to share storm damage reports and photos on its Facebook and X pages.
Submit your damage photos to us! Please include a location to help us plot damage with radar
data. Thank you!!!! pic.twitter.com/4xNeiLmkQJ
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) August 12, 2026
Residents can also submit reports through the agency's online form, which should include:
- Exact location or nearest intersection
- What was damaged, such as trees, roofs, siding, power lines or flooding impacts
- When it happened
- Photos or video, if it is safe to take them
- Any measured wind or rainfall information
Do not approach downed power lines, unstable trees, flooded roads or damaged buildings, and only submit reports when it is safe to do so.
The National Weather Service says to include the event's location as precisely as possible, such as "5 miles northwest of Columbus." You can also note whether you are a trained spotter, ham radio operator, law enforcement officer or have another relevant affiliation.
The agency may request contact information to follow up on a report.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NWS asks for storm damage reports after Ohio severe weather
