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Severe Storm Rips Roof Off Church in Newark, Ohio — Thousands Without Power

4 days agoUS
Severe Storm Rips Roof Off Church in Newark, Ohio — Thousands Without PowerSource: newarkadvocate.com
A powerful severe thunderstorm swept through Newark, Ohio, on July 21, 2026, tearing much of the roof off The Church Triumphant at 113 Madison Avenue and leaving more than 15,000 residents without electricity. The Licking County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is actively assessing damage across the region, though no injuries have been reported.

Key Insights

Roof torn off: A severe thunderstorm with strong winds ripped much of the roof off The Church Triumphant at 113 Madison Ave in Newark, with debris landing in the street.\n- **Power outages**: Over 15,000 customers lost electricity across Licking County following the storm.\n- **Downed wires**: Approximately 30 downed power lines were reported by officials.\n- **No injuries**: Despite the structural damage, no injuries had been reported as of 5 p.m. on July 21.\n- **Flood warning**: A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Wilmington for southern Licking County until 7 p.m., but EMA officials reported no significant flooding concerns.\n\n**Why this matters**: Severe storms can escalate quickly, causing structural damage and widespread power loss. Knowing how to report damage and prepare for outages can help communities recover faster.

In-Depth Analysis

Storm Impact in Newark, Ohio

The July 21 storm struck Newark with little warning, bringing intense winds that proved destructive enough to tear the roof off a masonry church building. Licking County EMA Director Sean Grady confirmed that the agency is scouring the area to identify additional impacts and determine whether state-level damage assessments will be required.

Power Outage Crisis

With more than 15,000 residents left without electricity, the storm represents one of the more significant weather-related power disruption events in the region this year. Downed wires — approximately 30 in total — pose electrocution and fire risks, and utility crews are working to restore power.

Community Response

The Licking County EMA is urging residents to report storm damage through their official website at ema.lickingcounty.gov. This data will help officials coordinate response efforts and apply for state or federal assistance if needed.

Historical Context

Newark and Licking County are no strangers to severe weather during the summer months. The region typically sees peak thunderstorm activity between June and August, with wind damage being the most common threat. This storm, however, stands out for the severity of damage to a single structure and the broad scope of power outages.

How to Prepare for Severe Storms

Report damage promptly: to local emergency management agencies to aid recovery efforts.\n- **Stay informed** via NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts.\n- **Avoid downed power lines** — assume all wires are live.\n- **Have an emergency kit** ready with flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food.\n- **Charge devices** ahead of predicted storms to maintain communication during outages.

FAQs

What should I do if I see a downed power line?\nA: Stay at least 30 feet away, do not touch anything in contact with the wire, and call 911 immediately.\n\nQ: How can I report storm damage to Licking County EMA?\nA: Visit [ema.lickingcounty.gov](https://ema.lickingcounty.gov?ref=yanuki.com) to submit a damage report.\n\nQ: Were there any injuries from the Newark church roof collapse?\nA: No injuries were reported as of 5 p.m. on July 21, according to Licking County EMA Director Sean Grady.\n\nQ: How long will power outages last?**\nA: Restoration times depend on the extent of damage to the grid. Utility crews are working to restore power, but residents should prepare for extended outages.

Key Takeaways

Stay vigilant: Summer storms in Ohio can turn severe quickly. Always monitor weather alerts.\n- **Report damage**: If you or your property were affected, report it to [ema.lickingcounty.gov](https://ema.lickingcounty.gov?ref=yanuki.com) to help officials assess the full scope.\n- **Prepare for outages**: Keep emergency supplies on hand, especially during peak storm season.\n- **Who this affects most**: Residents of Licking County, particularly those in Newark and surrounding areas without power, as well as congregations and community members of The Church Triumphant.\n- **Safety first**: Never approach downed wires or damaged structures. Wait for official clearance before returning to affected areas.

Discussion

Have you or someone you know been affected by the Newark storm? Share your experience and recovery tips in the comments below.

Do you think local infrastructure is prepared for increasingly severe weather events? Let us know!

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Sources

Newark Advocate — *"Storm blows roof off church in Newark as agency assesses damage"* by Josué Perez (July 21, 2026)

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