A hymnal book from a destroyed church across the street is seen among the debris strewn in Winchester, Ind., on Friday, March 15, 2024, after storms ripped through the area Thursday night. (AP Photo/Isabella Volmert)

COLUMBUS — Three people died and dozens of people were injured in a tornado outbreak that struck Lakeview, Ohio, and other parts of the Midwest late Thursday.

In Logan County, northwest of Columbus, about 25 people were treated for mostly broken bones and internal injuries at a hospital in Bellefontaine, said Laura Miller, a spokesperson for Mary Rutan Hospital. About a half-dozen residents in Lakeview who were interviewed by The Associated Press said they heard tornado sirens 10 minutes before the storm hit, after they went off earlier.

Weather officials were assessing damage and confirming the tornadoes Friday, counting at least five that touched down in Ohio alone.

In Indiana, a tornado injured 38 people in Winchester, where the mayor said some 130 homes and a Taco Bell restaurant were damaged or destroyed.

Three people were in critical condition, but their injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said.

The tornadoes also left trails of destruction in Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency continued Friday to monitor the severe weather.

“This was an extremely dangerous weather system,” the EMA noted in a news release. “The Ohio EMA, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Department of Transportation are working together to assist local communities in the path of the storms.”

Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted issued statements regarding the tornadoes and dangerous weather:

“Fran and I are deeply saddened by those impacted by the tornadoes and severe storms,” DeWine said. “We share the grief of the families who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Ohioans will come together as they always do with resilience and compassion as we support and rebuild our communities.”

“Tina and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during last night’s tornadoes and heavy storms and our prayers to those grappling with the devastation left in their wake,” Husted said. “Let’s all offer our support as we navigate this tragedy as a unified Ohio.”

Ohio EMA/State Emergency Operations Center actions:

The EOC has been activated due to severe weather impacts.

The Ohio EMA Watch Office continues to monitor the impacts across different community lifelines and is coordinating with county, state and federal partners to expedite any assistance needed.

Ohio EMA regional staff is embedded in impacted county EOCs, assisting intercounty and county-to-state coordination.

County EMAs are encouraged to share any county level coordination efforts and/or support needs in addition to any impacts related to the incident.

Ohio State Highway Patrol actions

The patrol is utilizing all available resources to assist motorists on Ohio’s roadways.

The patrol is assisting state and county departments of transportation and sheriff’s offices with a significant number of road closures and detours.

The patrol is providing aerial support for damage assessments.

If you find yourself stranded and needing assistance, dial #677 and a trooper will be dispatched to your location. In an emergency, dial 911.

Ohio Department of Transportation actions

ODOT crews continue to monitor roadways for debris and damage and assist with safely removing any hazards.

Due to the amount of rain, crews are monitoring flood prone areas throughout the state.

Check OHGO for current road closures and real-time traffic.

Ohio Department of Health actions

The Ohio Department of Health is deploying a generator and mass fatality supplies to support the local hospital.

The Ohio Department of Health is working with the Logan County Health Department to secure grief counselors.

The Ohio Department of Health is coordinating with the Logan County Health Department to monitor the need for volunteers to help in relief efforts.