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Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison Injures 16 Inmates Amid Severe Weather

Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison Injures 16 Inmates Amid Severe Weather

A lightning strike at an Ohio prison during severe weather conditions injured 16 inmates, with one requiring airlift to a hospital. The incident occurred as inmates were moving between buildings after an evening meal. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction reported that nine inmates have returned to the facility, while seven remain hospitalized, including one in serious condition. The severe weather, which included tornadoes and flash flooding, has caused widespread power outages across the Midwest, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the dangerous nature of the weather and urged residents to stay informed and cautious.
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Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison Injures 19 Inmates, 7 Hospitalized

Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison Injures 19 Inmates, 7 Hospitalized

A lightning strike at the Grafton Reintegration Center in Grafton, Ohio, on Tuesday evening injured 19 inmates, with 16 requiring hospital treatment. Incident reports from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) reveal that two inmates had to be resuscitated after losing consciousness and ceasing to breathe. The lightning struck as inmates were walking from a dining area to their housing units. Video footage captured the lightning flash but not the direct strikes. Nurses reported severe injuries, including burns and hearing loss, with one victim described as 'smoking' after the strike. As of Wednesday evening, seven inmates remained hospitalized, with the most critical cases being treated in Cleveland and Columbus. Governor Mike DeWine stated that there was no prior indication of lightning, though reports suggest the yard had been closed earlier due to weather concerns.
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Lightning Strike Hospitalizes 16 Inmates at Ohio Prison

Lightning Strike Hospitalizes 16 Inmates at Ohio Prison

A lightning strike at Grafton Correctional Institution in Ohio resulted in 16 inmates being hospitalized. The incident occurred as inmates were returning from their evening meal. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction reported that one inmate was flown by medical helicopter for treatment, while others were transported to a hospital. No fatalities have been reported, and officials are monitoring the situation.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Nurses, officers save multiple Ohio prisoners struck by lightning

Nurses, officers save multiple Ohio prisoners struck by lightning

Employees acted quickly to save prisoners struck by lightning. Three men required CPR.
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Tornado Confirmed in Columbus During Severe Storms

Tornado Confirmed in Columbus During Severe Storms

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado struck the south side of Columbus, Ohio, during a derecho on Tuesday. The storm caused significant damage, including the destruction of the roof at Lincoln Park's Barack Community Center. Governor Mike DeWine has amended a state of emergency to include Franklin County, following severe flooding in other areas. The tornado's rapid development meant that no sirens were activated, as the primary concern was high winds. Local officials are assessing the damage and working to restore power to affected areas.
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Storm Response Underway in Upper Arlington Following Severe Weather

Storm Response Underway in Upper Arlington Following Severe Weather

Upper Arlington, Ohio, is actively responding to widespread damage caused by severe storms on August 11, 2026. The city has received over 100 reports of downed trees, power lines, and property damage, leaving several streets impassable. Emergency crews, including Police, Fire, Public Service, and Parks teams, are working to address these issues. Public facilities, such as the Bob Crane Community Center and local libraries, have been opened to provide charging stations and air conditioning for affected residents. A curbside chipping program for tree debris will begin on August 17, with residents encouraged to prepare branches for collection. Source time: August 12, 2026, 4:15 PM EDT.
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Cincinnati Faces Continued Storms and Flooding Risks

Cincinnati Faces Continued Storms and Flooding Risks

Cincinnati is preparing for a third consecutive day of storms, with a flood watch in effect through Friday morning. Previous storms have already caused significant flooding, power outages, and damage across Indiana and Ohio. The National Weather Service forecasts additional rounds of rain and storms developing Thursday afternoon, continuing overnight into Friday. A significant weather disturbance is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with heavy rain increasing the risk of flooding, especially in areas already saturated. The primary concern is heavy rainfall, with some storms potentially becoming severe, causing further damage and power outages.
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16 Inmates Hospitalized After Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison

16 Inmates Hospitalized After Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison

A lightning strike at the Grafton Correctional Institution in Grafton, Ohio, sent 16 inmates to the hospital on the evening of August 11, 2026. The incident occurred as the inmates were returning from their evening meal, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC). One individual was airlifted to a hospital, while nine have since returned to the facility. Six remain hospitalized in stable condition, and one is in serious condition. No staff members were injured, and no fatalities have been reported. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for northwest and north-central Ohio during the evening, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph as the primary hazard (USA Today, August 12, 2026).
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Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison Hospitalizes 16, One Airlifted

Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison Hospitalizes 16, One Airlifted

A lightning strike at Grafton Correctional Institution in Lorain County, Ohio, on Tuesday evening left 16 individuals hospitalized, including one who required airlifting for treatment. The incident occurred as incarcerated individuals were returning from their evening meal. Severe storms and flash flooding have been impacting the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with Ohio experiencing widespread power outages affecting over 250,000 customers. According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), no fatalities have been reported. The FOX Forecast Center noted that the storm produced numerous lightning strikes in the area during the 5 p.m. hour. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.
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Severe Storms Threaten Flooding and Destructive Winds Across Midwest and Appalachians

Severe Storms Threaten Flooding and Destructive Winds Across Midwest and Appalachians

A series of severe storms is forecasted to bring significant flooding and destructive winds to parts of the Midwest and central Appalachians, including cities like Charleston, West Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio. The storms, driven by a slow-moving front and tropical air, are expected to produce rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour, with total accumulations potentially exceeding 6 inches in some areas. This weather pattern, exacerbated by climate change, poses a high risk of flash flooding, particularly in urban, low-lying, and mountainous regions. The storms have already caused power outages and infrastructure damage in several states, with the threat of further disruptions continuing through the week.
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Tornado Warning in Ohio and West Virginia Raises Concerns of Severe Weather

Tornado Warning in Ohio and West Virginia Raises Concerns of Severe Weather

A tornado warning was issued for parts of Vinton, Gallia, and Meigs counties in Ohio, as well as Mason County in West Virginia. The warning was in effect from 6 to 7 p.m. and was prompted by a rapidly developing severe thunderstorm. The storm, which grew from a 10,000-foot shower to a 45,000-foot thunderstorm, showed signs of hail and strong winds but lacked a definitive rotation signature, indicating no confirmed tornado touchdown. The storm eventually weakened after 7:30 p.m. This event is part of a series of storms expected to affect the region throughout the week, with potential for tornadoes and flash flooding as a low-pressure system approaches from the west.
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16 Hospitalized After Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison

16 Hospitalized After Lightning Strike at Ohio Prison

Sixteen people were hospitalized, including one who was airlifted, after lightning struck Grafton Correctional Institution in Lorain County, Ohio, Tuesday evening. The strike occurred as incarcerated individuals were returning from their evening meal. No deaths were reported. The incident happened as severe thunderstorms and flash flooding affected parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with a storm producing dozens of lightning strikes in the area around 5 p.m. Tuesday.