Crews work to repair power lines on Ohio 519. The road will remain closed until further notice, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM

NEW ATHENS — Dozens of crews worked to clean up debris and restore power to the community Friday after a tornado caused destruction the previous day.

A twister tore through the village of New Athens around 5 p.m. Thursday, causing damage to numerous homes and downing multiple power lines. Although there was much structural damage, no injuries were reported.

Jason Frazier, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, said a tornado was confirmed in the area; however, storm survey groups were in Harrison and Jefferson counties Friday, assessing the damage to determine more information on the exact category and speed of the winds.

Kyle Carter, dispatch supervisor for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, said they responded to the village to assist residents along with the New Athens Volunteer Fire Department, Harrisville Fire Department, Cadiz Fire Department, Ohio Department of Transportation, the Harrison County Highway Department, American Electric Power Ohio and South Central Power Co.

He said the tornado appeared to have begun causing damage along North Main Street near the Franklin Museum then moved to Culbertson Drive before making its way to Ohio 519/Stumptown Road.

Carter said two homes were severely damaged, leaving the occupants displaced. The American Red Cross was called in to assist those residents with temporary shelter. He said there were more than a dozen other homes that also sustained damage.

“From siding damage to roof damage to tree limbs falling on the homes,” he said.

Although the tornado caused much property damage throughout the area, no injuries were reported.

“There were no injuries nor was anyone trapped in their house. Everyone was able to self-extricate from the homes that did sustain damage,” he added.

John and Deb Ledger, a couple displaced because of the tornado, said their roof was almost completely torn off of the structure by Thursday’s twister while they were inside the residence on Culbertson Drive. Ledger said they were able to escape unharmed and are thankful for the assistance the community has provided. He said they were able to store a lot of their personal effects at the fire department while they wait for the insurance company to arrive at the property Tuesday. The couple will stay in temporary housing until the damage to their home is assessed by the company.

Carter said the community has really come together to help one another.

“The community has come out a lot and helped people try to get everything cleaned up and help remove stuff off people’s homes. It’s been really great,” he said.

He said some of the village’s power was restored around 11 p.m. Thursday night, although more than 140 other residences were left without power until the following day. The electricity was set to be restored by 6 p.m. Friday, according to AEP Ohio.

According to ODOT, Ohio 519 near New Athens reopened around 3 p.m. Friday. It had been closed due to storm damage that resulted in downed trees and powerlines along the roadway. Crews were on scene performing cleanup work prior to its reopening.