© Twitter/Josh Martinez
The 'large and dangerous' tornado wreaked havoc after touching down near Daytona, Ohio late Monday night and causing widespread damage and injuries
Dayton, Ohio, and surrounding communities were under a
tornado emergency as a large and destructive tornado was reported on Monday night.
The National Weather Service (NWS) was calling it
a life-threatening situation as the tornado swept through the heavily-populated area.
There have been some reports of injuries, but no word on the number or extent of these injuries.
"A large, dangerous tornado touched down last night in northwest Montgomery County, we are focused on supporting life saving measures, such as shutting down gas lines or locating people who are trapped by debris," a post on the county's
Twitter page said. "Call 911 or contact your local fire station for emergency assistance."
Pictures on social media showed strewn trees and severely damaged homes in the area. Law enforcement reports that the New Life Worship Center just north of Dayton was completely destroyed.
Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck
told WKEF-TV in Dayton that
the storm damage is the worst he has seen in his career.
Some schools have announced closures on Tuesday due to the storm damage.
Comment: Additional information: A rising Lake Erie closes streets, ferry, leaves debris