Storm damage in Wapakoneta causes road closures; police urge public to stay away from damage

WAPAKONETA — An area police department has issued a warning to residents after severe storm damage Saturday.

The National Weather Service confirmed they are doing damage surveys in the Wapakoneta area to determine whether or not a tornado touched down.

Our News Center 7 crew saw damage throughout the city, including a large greenhouse flattened in the area of I-75 and OH-33, as well as substantial damage to Koneta Rubber Plant.

>> NWS confirms tornado in Troy, to survey damage in Auglaize Co. today

The extent of the damage has caused police in the area to close down the entrance and exit ramps to I-75 at Bellefontaine Street (exit 111) so crews can concentrate on restoring power and cleaning up damage, according to Wapakoneta Police Department.

Wapakoneta Police Chief Clavin Schneider issued a statement on social media asking the public to stay out of affected areas so emergency personal can complete their work.

“Crews from the city are out working and they are having a very difficult time due to the amount of traffic traveling through the affected areas,” the statement reads.

Schneider also wanted of scammers posing as contractors. He warned against giving anyone cash in advance for repairs and anyone claiming to be with the Red Cross, who the city said they are not working with at this time.

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