(WKYC) Ohio leaders are extending well wishes to the victims of deadly storms that tore through portions of the state on Thursday night. Several areas in western and central Ohio were rocked by storm systems caused by a suspected tornado, with heavy damage to trees, gas lines and structures in communities in Logan, Huron and Richland counties. Logan County authorities confirmed three people are dead, and search efforts resumed Friday morning to determine whether there are additional deaths or injuries. “Fran and I are deeply saddened by those impacted by the tornadoes and severe storms,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “We share the grief of the families who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Ohioans will come together as they always do with resilience and compassion as we support and rebuild our communities." The Ohio Emergency Management Agency said the state Emergency Operations Center has been activated and the EMA Watch Office is continuing to monitor the storm's impact and coordinating with county, state and federal partners "to expediate [sic] any assistance needed." Ohio's highway patrol, transportation department and health department are deploying resources. “Let’s all offer our support as we navigate this tragedy as a unified Ohio,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. Ohio's U.S. senators, Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown and Republican Sen. JD Vance, both offered prayers for the affected and said their teams are monitoring the situation. "Praying for the victims of the storms in Logan County & throughout Ohio last night," Brown said in a social media post. "My thanks to the first responders who were on the scene quickly and continue their search & rescue efforts this morning." READ MORE: https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/ohio/ohio-politicians-leaders-react-to-deadly-storms-throughout-state-mike-dewine-jd-vance-sherrod-brown-jim-jordan-bob-latta/95-54b4deea-4c59-4b1b-85dd-09343a14c72b