Holmes County EMA

06/06/2026

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 12:15PM - We have strong storms that will enter our area soon. These storms are capable of producing heavy rain, hail, wind gusts and a possible tornado. Please stay weather aware today.

05/29/2026

🚧 Traffic Update – New 4-Way Stop Coming June 1st 🚧

Starting Monday, June 1st, the intersection of State Route 515 and County Road 168 will become a four-way stop.

Please use extra caution when traveling through this area. Holmes County deputies will be conducting increased patrols to help ensure safety during this transition.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is making this change as part of a statewide effort to improve intersection safety by converting selected two-way stops into all-way stops.

Thank you for your attention and for helping keep our roads safe!

05/23/2026

Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 4:05PM - Per the NWS, we have the possibility of storms entering Holmes County area until 8:00PM tonight. These storms have the potential for torrential down pours, thunder and lightning and high winds. A brief weak tornado cannot be ruled out.

Holmes County is also under a Flood Warning for the Killbuck Creek until Monday, May 25, 2026.

Please stay weather aware.

05/18/2026

Monday, May 18, 2026 at 3:45PM - Good afternoon. Well, the good news is that the sun is shining, and warmer weather has finally entered our area. The bad news is that we could experience strong to severe storms this evening and again Tuesday evening.

Current forecast timing:
• Today: Late afternoon through early evening
• Tuesday: Approximately 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

All severe weather hazards could be possible, including:
• Heavy localized downpours and possible flooding
• Frequent lightning
• Damaging straight-line winds
• Large hail
• An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out

Please stay weather aware over the next two days and make sure you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, especially during the overnight and evening hours.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips
• Move indoors immediately when thunder is heard.
• Avoid using corded electronics and plumbing during lightning.
• Secure outdoor furniture or loose objects that could become airborne in high winds.
• Never drive through flooded roadways — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
• Keep mobile devices charged in case of power outages.

Tornado Safety Tips
• Identify your safest shelter location now before storms arrive.
• The safest place is a basement or the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Stay in an interior room away from doors and windows.
• Protect your head and neck with blankets, pillows, or a helmet if available.
• If you are in a mobile home, seek sturdy shelter immediately.

Watch vs. Warning
• Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather or tornadoes to develop. Be prepared and monitor weather conditions closely.
• Warning: Severe weather or a tornado is occurring or imminent. Take protective action immediately.

Please continue to monitor trusted weather sources such as the National Weather Service, local media (WKLM), weather radios, and emergency alert systems.

Stay safe, and please let me know if you have any questions.

05/18/2026

04/18/2026

Hazmat Training Exercise Notice – LEPC HazMat Exercise

The Holmes County EMA and the Holmes County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be conducting a Hazardous Materials Exercise on Saturday, April 18th starting at 9:15 AM at Centor in Berlin, OH.

This is only an exercise. There is no real emergency.

During this time, you may see multiple first responder vehicles in the area, including fire and EMS agencies actively participating in the training.

A huge thank you to our partners for their support and participation:
• East Holmes Fire & EMS
• Holmes Fire District #1 FD
• Paint Township Fire Department (Winesburg)
• Pomerene Hospital
• Holmes County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center
• Bad Day Training for facilitating the event

Also, a HUGE thank you to Centor for allowing us to use their facility for this important training.

Exercises like this are critical to ensuring our responders are prepared to safely and effectively handle real-world hazardous materials incidents.

Again, this is just an exercise. There is no danger to the public.

04/14/2026

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 0815 - We are monitoring the potential for severe weather across the area today, with two primary windows of concern:
• 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Strong to severe thunderstorms may develop during these timeframes, with the potential for damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes. Periods of heavy rain could also lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying or already saturated areas.

Please take a few moments to review the following safety reminders:

Severe Thunderstorm Safety
• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts (NOAA Weather Radio, cell phone alerts, local media - WKLM, or WENS).
• Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Avoid travel during storms if possible; never drive through flooded roadways.
• If outdoors, seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building.

Tornado Safety
• Know the difference between a Watch (conditions are favorable) and a Warning (take action immediately).
• Identify your safe shelter location now:
o Basement (preferred), or
o Interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and doors
• If a warning is issued, take shelter immediately, do not wait to see the storm.
• Mobile homes and vehicles are unsafe, seek sturdy shelter.

General Preparedness
• Keep phones charged and emergency supplies accessible.
• Check on family, neighbors, and those with access and functional needs.
• Stay weather aware throughout the day and overnight, especially while sleeping.

Please stay safe and weather aware.

04/05/2026

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