Holmes County EMA

08/05/2026

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 1300 - August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month!

Prepared Today. Ready Tomorrow.

Emergency management is much more than responding to disasters. Every day, emergency managers work behind the scenes to help keep our communities safe through Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

In Holmes County, the Emergency Management Agency works alongside our local fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, public health, schools, hospitals, highway department, utilities, the American Red Cross, township officials, and many other partners to prepare for emergencies before they happen.

Whether it's severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, flooding, public health emergencies, or large community events, preparedness begins long before an emergency occurs.

This month, we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps to become more prepared:
• Make an emergency plan with your family.
• Build or update your emergency supply kit.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Know your community's risks.
• Stay informed and look out for your neighbors.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more resilient Holmes County.

07/20/2026

Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1530 - Strong to severe storms could enter Holmes County later this evening (Monday, July 20th) with a focus on Tuesday (July 21st) midmorning to evening.

Primary Threat Window:
• Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

Potential Hazards:
• Damaging wind gusts
• Large hail
• Heavy rainfall with localized flash flooding
• Frequent lightning
• An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out

Holmes County EMA will continue to monitor forecast updates from the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center and will provide additional information if conditions warrant. Please remain weather aware and be prepared to take appropriate action if watches or warnings are issued.

Pictographs courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Respectfully,

07/17/2026

Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1530 - The latest forecast indicates the severe weather threat has increased for Saturday. The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded portions of northern Ohio into an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5), with the highest threat extending from the central Lake Erie shoreline eastward into northwest Pennsylvania. Holmes County remains in an area that could experience severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening.

TIMING FOR HOLMES COUNTY

Primary window: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Saturday

Storms are expected to develop during the afternoon and organize into one or more lines capable of producing widespread damaging winds.

PRIMARY HAZARDS

Damaging winds: Widespread gusts of 70+ mph are possible, especially north and east of a Port Clinton–Canton line.

Tornadoes: A few tornadoes are possible, with the greatest risk across northwest Ohio, though isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out farther east.

Large hail: Hail of 1 inch or greater is possible.

Flash flooding: Torrential rainfall may produce localized flash flooding, particularly in urban and low-lying areas.

Please stay weather aware this weekend.

Pictographs courtesy of the National Weather Service.

07/14/2026

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 0845 - The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Holmes County on Tuesday and Wednesday. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s, with heat index values approaching or exceeding 100°F, creating conditions where heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, especially for those working or spending time outdoors.

Heat Safety Tips for Holmes County Residents

Stay Hydrated
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.

Stay Cool
• Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
• If you don't have air conditioning, visit a public location such as a library, shopping center, or other cooled facility.

Dress for the Heat
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
• Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Limit Outdoor Activity
• Avoid strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part of the day (typically 11 AM to 6 PM).
• If you must work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water often.

Check on Others
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.
• Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes.

Protect Your Pets
• Ensure pets have plenty of fresh water and shade.
• Walk pets during the early morning or late evening, and avoid hot pavement that can burn their paws.

Know the Signs of Heat Illness
• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, cool and clammy skin.
• Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency): High body temperature, confusion, hot dry skin (or heavy sweating), loss of consciousness.
• If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Stay informed by monitoring the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service and follow updates from Holmes County EMA. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on your neighbors during this period of dangerous heat.

07/02/2026

Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:20AM - Holmes County EMA Weather Alert – Excessive Heat & Severe Weather This Holiday Weekend

The Holmes County Emergency Management Agency is urging residents and visitors to stay weather aware this Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Dangerous Heat Continues

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Friday evening, with hot and humid conditions continuing into the weekend. Heat index values may approach or exceed 100°F, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

Protect yourself and your family:
💧Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don't feel thirsty.
🏠 Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
☀️ Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (typically noon to 6:00 PM).
👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
👵 Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone without air conditioning.
🐶 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle—even for a few minutes.

⛈️ Strong to Severe Storms Possible Friday & Saturday

There is also the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday. Storms may produce:
• Damaging wind gusts
• Large hail
• Heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding
• Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning

⚡ When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
If you hear thunder, move indoors immediately. Lightning can strike several miles away from a storm. Delay outdoor activities until at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

📱 Stay Weather Aware

Monitor the latest forecasts throughout the holiday weekend. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if you will be attending outdoor events or fireworks displays. Conditions can change quickly.

The Holmes County EMA wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend. Celebrate responsibly, stay hydrated, and remain weather aware!

06/29/2026

🌡️ Beat the heat, Holmes County! With a Heat Advisory in effect this week, please know there are welcoming places right here in our community where you can come in, stay cool, and take your time. Share this with a neighbor or loved one who may need it, looking out for each other is what we do! 💛

06/29/2026

Monday, June 29, 2026 at 0800: The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Holmes County beginning 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and continuing through 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Daytime temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s, with heat index values well into the 100s. This prolonged period of dangerous heat, combined with little overnight cooling, will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Tuesday: Holmes County is under a Major Risk for heat-related impacts. This level of heat can affect anyone without adequate cooling or hydration, particularly older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those working or spending extended periods outdoors. Healthcare systems and outdoor industries may also begin to experience increased impacts.

Wednesday and Thursday: Holmes County is forecast to be under an Extreme Risk for heat-related impacts. This is a rare designation indicating prolonged, dangerous heat with minimal overnight relief. Extreme heat of this magnitude can affect anyone without access to cooling or sufficient hydration and may place significant stress on healthcare systems, outdoor industries, utilities, and other critical infrastructure.

Please consider the following safety recommendations:
* Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
* Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
* Limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours.
* Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
* Check frequently on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
* Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
* Employers should provide frequent breaks, shade, and water for employees working outdoors.

Please share this information with your staff, volunteers, and the public as appropriate.

Holmes County EMA will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.

Stay safe,

06/25/2026

Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 1:55PM - The NWS has informed our office that there is a slight risk of severe storms entering Holmes County between 2:00PM-4:00PM and leaving our area around 7:00PM. These storms have the capability of producing severe storms including damaging winds gusts up to 60 mph, large hail and lightning. A tornado cannot be ruled out. Please stay weather aware this afternoon/evening.

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

Today marks the start of ! We will be posting lightning safety tips and information this week and encourage everyone to be aware and be prepared when it comes to lightning and thunderstorms. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/44ajJTG