The night of March 14, 2024, brought devastating destruction to the Indian Lake area of Logan County when a tornado tore through the area, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The storm, which included high winds, hail, and lightning, prompted tornado sirens to sound across the county, signaling the approaching danger.
Eyewitnesses reported spotting a tornado in Jackson Center, Lakeview, and Russells Point. Multiple accidents and downed power lines were also reported, adding to the chaos. First responders quickly moved in to assist those trapped in debris and other storm-related damage.
The tornado’s impact was wide-reaching, leaving over 3,000 AES customers in the area without power, along with another 1,700 Logan County Cooperative customers affected. Verizon also reported outages in the area.
The tornado’s path began in the Sante Fe area and continued eastward, causing severe damage in Lakeview, Midway, and Russells Point. Homes, businesses, vehicles, and other properties were destroyed or severely damaged. Tragically, three lives were lost, and several others were injured.
Two victims, Marilyn L. Snapp, 81, and Darla K. Williams, 70, were found deceased in the debris at Geiger Trailer Park. The third fatality was Neal A. Longfellow, 69, of Russells Point. First responders worked tirelessly through the night, with several agencies assisting in search and rescue operations.
Orchard Island in Russells Point was blocked off due to fallen trees and gas leaks, making access difficult. Emergency shelters were set up at various locations, including Galilee Lutheran Church, Indian Lake Community Church, and Indian Lake High School, offering a safe space for displaced residents.
Local organizations like the United Way of Logan County rallied to support the community during the recovery and cleanup efforts, a process that would take many months.
On May 2, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the tornado’s impact had led to a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 11 Ohio counties, including Logan, triggering FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. This declaration provided much-needed relief to the affected areas.
By September, recovery was still ongoing, with Logan County EMA Director Helen Norris reporting that long-term recovery efforts continued. The Long-Term Recovery (LTR) program has processed 89 cases, helping many individuals and families with assistance. Although some cases are waiting for resolution, the program is working to find housing solutions for displaced families. However, challenges such as zoning issues, high construction costs, and utility installations are impacting efforts to provide affordable housing.
While recovery is still a work in progress, rebuilding continues in the community. Many damaged businesses have reopened, and families continue to rebuild their homes. The Indian Lake region, though scarred by tragedy, is growing stronger each day. As you drive through the area, it’s hard to tell that such devastation occurred earlier in the year, but the locals carry the memory of that night and the months that followed. The community is moving forward, and with continued support, Indian Lake is rebuilding and will emerge stronger than ever.
