Portage County EMA: tornado hit Windham; utilities, Red Cross and mass‑care partners responding

An agency official updated the Portage County Board of Commissioners that a tornado struck Windham the previous night and multi‑agency response and assessments were underway.

"Right now, Ohio Edison has been out. They've already restored poles and they continue to provide services as needed," the agency official said, adding that Charter Communications had restored communications to affected areas. Parkman Road remained the only road closed at the time of the briefing.

The official said Red Cross personnel were on site providing case management, EMA was coordinating damage assessments and mass‑care partners — including the Salvation Army — were assisting with meals (a cold meal in the near term and plans for a hot meal at the Renaissance later). The official emphasized the number of homes deemed uninhabitable had not been provided and declined to speculate on an exact count while assessments continue.

Briefings were scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and the EMA planned an official media release once details were compiled. The agency official directed residents seeking updates to the Portage Prepares EMA website.

Why it matters: Tornado damage and the ensuing emergency response can affect road access, utility restoration and immediate shelter and recovery needs for residents. The briefing outlined who is coordinating response, where to get official updates and what services are available.

What happens next: EMA will continue damage assessments and hold public briefings; the county indicated more information would follow in a media release.