Team Coverage: May 7 tornado assessment and recovery

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — On Tuesday, May 7, another night of severe storms ended with multiple counties in the Miami Valley devastated by winds, rain and confirmed tornadoes .

The first tornado watch was issued at 6 p.m., with warnings following less than two hours later. 2 NEWS reported that Mercer County was the first to receive an official Tornado Warning from the National Weather Service at 7:55 p.m. Darke County received a Tornado Warning minutes later at 8:07 p.m., followed by Auglaize County at 8:15 p.m.

Greenville was among the cities hit hardest by the storms , leading to school closures Wednesday. Some roads in the area remain closed.

Mercer County tornado recovery

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down Tuesday night in Mercer County. It was an all-hands-on-deck effort as the community began tree removal and street cleanup. For the farming communities in the area, the concern was not only on people.

“So we came last night and helped get the cattle out of the barns and help move stuff around. They were, I mean, scared, you know, they fought and cried, but I mean, luckily most of them were okay,” said Amanda Kahlig, a Mercer County resident.

Officers say they’re continuing to monitor the situation as displaced cattle hopefully return.

Darke County tornado recovery

Continuing coverage from Greenville, 2 NEWS reporter Aaliyah Seabrooks spoke with residents about the steps they’re taking in the cleanup process.

Residents told 2 NEWS they’ve never seen damage like this in the area. Many lost power by 9 p.m. and have yet to have it restored due to lines still being down. Despite uprooted trees and totaled vehicles, gratitude is present in the community as residents gather to help one another clean up.

Officials said no injuries have been reported but the destruction is widespread.

Auglaize County tornado recovery

The tornadoes on May 7 impacted a community still reeling from the devastation of an EF-2 tornado less than two months prior.

The County EMA has begun surveying the damage in the area. Large pieces of metal can be seen strewn across roadways for up to four miles, with destroyed homes and barns left in its path.

“Anywhere from minor to major damage we like. Like I said, I have several homes that are completely destroyed,” said Troy Anderson, Auglaize County EMA.

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