Winds damage barn, topples semi in NW Ohio

CLEVELAND (AP) — Strong winds in northwest Ohio are leaving behind a trail of damaged barn roofs and power outages.

Emergency officials in counties south of Toledo say they’re getting calls about wind damage coming from a line of storms that passed through just before noon today.

Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy says winds toppled a tractor-trailer on a highway, trapping its driver. So far, there’s no details on whether the driver was injured.

A tornado watch covers the western half of Ohio with tornado warnings posted in a few counties. Several schools are canceling classes early, and the Columbus Zoo said it would close for the day at 1 p.m. to protect guests and the animals.

Utilities say they’re prepared in case of major outages.