Tornado Responses Underway in Ohio, Indiana & Arkansas

March 18, 2024 | 2:32 p.m.

Convoy is still on the ground distributing relief supplies to people affected by the multistate tornadoes last week. Convoy began distribution in Delaware, Ohio, yesterday.

In Hot Springs Village, Arkansas — where local partners estimated around 100 homes were damaged — Convoy distributed tarps, totes, water, sports drinks, and more while local organizations met other needs. 

In Winchester, Indiana, and Indian Lake, Ohio, Convoy is hosting continuous drive-thru and mobile distributions. Saturday alone, Convoy served more than 300 families.

After the severe storms, access to Orchard Island, Ohio, was limited. Parts of the town are unrecognizable, with demolished homes, downed trees, and strewn telephone poles. A distribution is underway today, ensuring residents receive the help and hope they need to begin the recovery process.

March 16, 2024 | 1:38 p.m.

Distributions are underway in Winchester, Indiana, and Bellefontaine, Ohio, today. Thursday night, an EF-3 tornado ripped through Winchester and caused widespread destruction. That same night, another EF-3 tornado destroyed parts of towns in Logan County, Ohio. 

As of this morning, thousands of people are still without power. Convoy’s teams are on the ground, distributing relief supplies, such as water, sports drinks, cleanup supplies, totes, tarps, and more, so families in need have the essentials to begin the recovery process.

March 15, 2024 | 9:56 a.m.

Convoy of Hope is sending resources to areas hit by several tornadoes across the U.S. last night. The severe storms knocked down power lines, destroyed entire parts of towns, and killed at least three people. 

“I can best describe it as a bomb going off … unbelievable damage,” Sheriff Randall Dodds of Logan County, Ohio, told CNN.

“Our teams are en route with essential supplies to help people in need as quickly as possible,” said Convoy’s Vice President of Disaster Services Stacy Lamb. 

When Convoy responds to a disaster in the United States, tarps and totes are some of the most requested items. Large plastic totes help people keep their salvaged belongings dry and protected, and the tarps provide shelter from the elements when a roof is damaged.

Photo above: A resident surveys the damage following a severe storm in Lakeview, Ohio, Friday, March 15, 2024. Severe storms with suspected tornadoes have damaged homes and businesses in the central United States. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

In addition to the tarps and totes, cleanup kits, sports drinks, water, trash bags, and trash cans are being sent.

When severe weather strikes, Convoy is ready to respond and bring help and hope to people in need.