tornado, Ohio
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In addition to the power outages and downed trees, the city was also dealing with extensive flooding as a result of a series of storms throughout the week. Riverfront Park, which is adjacent to the Auglaize River, was mostly underwater by Saturday evening.
A local insurance agency owner says the damage in Defiance after a tornado touched down just days ago is unlike anything she has seen in over 20 years.
On the First Energy website, it says power is expected to be restored by 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The EF-1 tornado touched down on the southwest side of town, cut through downtown, and crossed the Maumee River before dissipating on the northeast side of town.
At least 35 car windows in Defiance were smashed overnight Saturday, prompting a flood of 911 calls and a search for suspects.
The Defiance twister has been counted as Ohio’s 10th tornado of 2026, WHIO reports. Ohio set a state record in 2024 with 74 confirmed tornadoes, according to The Columbus Dispatch, and logged roughly 28 confirmed tornadoes in 2025, per NBC4/WCMH coverage.
DEFIANCE, Ohio — Residents in Defiance began cleaning up Sunday after a tornado swept through the area, leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes and costly repairs, but no reported injuries. Neighbors spent the day clearing debris and surveying the aftermath of the storm, which caught many off guard.
People in Defiance are urged not to swim, drink, fish or boat in the Maumee River near the city because of a break in a sewer pipe.