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Red Cross declares national blood crisis, seeks donors
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history, citing a four-year summer low in blood donations and an urgent need for donors.
All blood types are needed, with type O blood in especially short supply. The Red Cross said its supply of O-positive blood has fallen below a one-day supply, forcing it to limit distributions of some blood products to hospitals.
The organization said extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to lower donor turnout this summer.
Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors who give through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, while those who donate Aug. 1-31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email. Terms and conditions apply.
Weather Service confirms 3 tornadoes crossed into West Virginia
PARKERSBURG - The National Weather Service has confirmed that three tornadoes touched down in Washington County, Ohio, on Tuesday before crossing the Ohio River into West Virginia, damaging homes, businesses, trees and utility infrastructure.
Two of the tornadoes were rated EF2, with estimated wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph, while a third traveled through parts of Pleasants, Tyler, Ritchie and Doddridge counties before dissipating. Meteorologists said it is unusual for three tornadoes to occur simultaneously in the region, noting the twisters were about 10 miles apart.
The storms damaged homes, toppled trees and power lines, overturned trailers, knocked down communication towers and caused thousands of power outages. Less than 100 customers in Pleasants County remained without electricity Sunday morning.
The Weather Service also confirmed a fourth tornado, rated EF0, in Barbour County, W.Va. Officials said the damage surveys are preliminary and could be updated as additional information becomes available.
Woman charged after alleged vehicle assault on Wheeling Island
WHEELING - A 22-year-old Bridgeport woman is facing felony charges after Wheeling police said she intentionally struck a bicyclist with her vehicle during a domestic violence incident early Sunday.
Police said officers responded just after midnight Sunday to the intersection of Virginia and South Huron streets on Wheeling Island, where a man riding a bicycle had reportedly been hit by a vehicle. The victim was taken to Wheeling Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said the driver, identified as Tionna Alexander, was later located at the Bridgeport Police Department. Police allege Alexander and the victim had been involved in a domestic disturbance in Bridgeport earlier that evening before she intentionally struck him twice with her vehicle on Wheeling Island.
Alexander was charged with one count of malicious assault and two counts of child neglect. She was arraigned before an Ohio County magistrate, who set bond at $30,000. She is being held at the Northern Regional Jail.