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Columbia, Pennsylvania Declares State of Emergency and Curfew Following Devastating Storm Damage

Columbia, Pennsylvania Declares State of Emergency and Curfew Following Devastating Storm Damage

The Borough of Columbia, Pennsylvania, has declared a State of Emergency and implemented a curfew following severe storm damage. The emergency declaration began at 6 p.m. on Thursday and will remain in effect until all roads and homes are secured. A curfew was also declared, starting at 10 p.m. on Thursday night, requiring residents to stay off the streets unless traveling for work or emergencies. The storm caused a portion of the Keystone Building to collapse onto the neighboring Broom Closet ceramics business on Fourth Street, between Locust and Walnut streets. The owner, Peggy Broom, who had left her business shortly before the collapse, expressed concern about a potentially operating kiln inside and the extent of insurance coverage. Mayor Leo Lutz described the damage as unprecedented for Columbia. Emergency crews responded to numerous downed wires and other damage, with the full extent still being assessed. An emergency shelter has been set up at St. Peter's Parish Hall by the American Red Cross for a...
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
East Side man marks third arrested in drive-by shooting at funeral

East Side man marks third arrested in drive-by shooting at funeral

Regionn Dickerson, 18 was found with a loaded handgun that police say was used in a drive-by shooting that injured 2 people at a funeral.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
How to ensure you receive emergency weather alerts during floods, tornadoes

How to ensure you receive emergency weather alerts during floods, tornadoes

Did you miss a flood alert? Learn why some warnings do not trigger phones and how to update your settings.
1Weather 1Weather
Indiana Faces Ninth Day Without Power; Ohio Hit by Flash Flooding

Indiana Faces Ninth Day Without Power; Ohio Hit by Flash Flooding

Residents in northwest Indiana are enduring their ninth consecutive day without power following a deadly storm on August 11, 2026. Tens of thousands remain affected, with 68,000 customers still without electricity as of Thursday morning, primarily in Lake County near the Illinois border (AP News, 2026-08-20). The storm caused widespread damage, downing trees and power lines, and disrupting daily life. Meanwhile, central Ohio experienced flash flooding on Thursday morning due to heavy rainfall exceeding 3 inches (7.6 cm) in 12 hours, leading to road closures and emergency rescues in Columbus. The flooding comes as the city was still recovering from severe thunderstorms earlier in the week.
1Weather 1Weather
State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia After Severe Storms and Flooding

State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia After Severe Storms and Flooding

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties in the state following a new wave of severe storms that occurred between August 16 and August 18, 2026. These storms brought excessive rainfall, flash flooding, mudslides, and damaging winds, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The declaration, issued on August 18, will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated earlier. This new emergency declaration is separate from a previous one issued on July 21, which remains active in 12 counties still recovering from earlier storms. The West Virginia Emergency Management Division and other state agencies are working with local and federal partners to provide relief and assess damages. [Source: Program Business, published on 2026-08-20 at 13:00:17 GMT]
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus activates Franklinton floodwall after heavy rain overnight

Columbus activates Franklinton floodwall after heavy rain overnight

A Columbus spokesperson said Aug. 20 crews were activating the Franklinton floodwall and installing floodgates on Greenlawn Avenue and Harmon Avenue
AP News AP News
‘Survival mode’: Indiana residents endure a ninth day without power

‘Survival mode’: Indiana residents endure a ninth day without power

Tens of thousands of people in northwest Indiana are entering a second week without power after a deadly storm toppled trees and power lines
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Two Women Injured, Officer Fires Weapon During East Columbus Shooting Investigation

Two Women Injured, Officer Fires Weapon During East Columbus Shooting Investigation

Two women were hospitalized in stable condition following a late-night shooting on Gibbard Avenue in East Columbus. The incident, which occurred just after 10:30 PM on Monday evening, prompted a police officer to discharge their weapon. Columbus police were already in the area investigating a prior incident when shots began to be fired by one or multiple suspects. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects, and it remains unclear whether the shots were directed at officers or community members who were outside at the time. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has confirmed an officer-involved shooting in north Columbus on Saturday afternoon, and is looking into this incident. Police have clarified that the injured women were not struck by the officer's firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is urging anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Department.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Will it rain tonight in Columbus? Latest flooding, forecast

Will it rain tonight in Columbus? Latest flooding, forecast

After nearly 3 inches of rain fell in Columbus, forecasters say only light showers or sprinkles are possible tonight.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Flood warning issued for central Ohio counties as heavy rain return

Flood warning issued for central Ohio counties as heavy rain return

A flood watch is in effect for Columbus and much of central Ohio through the morning of Aug. 20 as another round of heavy rain is expected.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
6 tornadoes struck the Buckeye state Aug. 11, 2 in central Ohio. See where

6 tornadoes struck the Buckeye state Aug. 11, 2 in central Ohio. See where

Six tornadoes ranging from EF0 to EF2 (65-135 mph) touched down across Ohio on August 11, causing significant property damage.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus police ID man who died after hit by pickup while riding e-bike

Columbus police ID man who died after hit by pickup while riding e-bike

The 58-year-old man was ejected from his e-bike and transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The pickup driver who struck him was cited.