A lightning strike during an intense thunderstorm last Wednesday, April 2, caused visible damage to the chimney and roof of Oberlin College’s Hales Gymnasium. Campus Safety received a call shortly before noon, and the Oberlin Fire Department responded to the scene. No injuries were reported.

The strike caused bricks from the chimney to fall, damaging several roof tiles on the north side of the building. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, the structure was quickly assessed and deemed sound.

“The damage to Hales Gymnasium was fortunately limited to the chimney and several roof tiles that were affected by falling bricks from the chimney,” Matt Yunker, director of facilities stewardship, said.

The College is currently working with a roofing contractor to begin repairs.

“The repair will involve completely removing the chimney and capping off the roof — replacing the roofing where the chimney stood,” Yunker said. “Once finished, the area will appear as though the chimney was never there. There are no immediate structural concerns beyond the localized damage.”

While a specific timeline has not yet been finalized, Facilities says it is aiming to complete the work as soon as possible. The west-side parking lot of Hales will remain closed until the chimney is safely removed, but all other parts of the building, including the Cat in the Cream, the Pool Room, and College Lanes, remain open and in use.

The damage occurred due to a broader system of storms that moved through northern Ohio on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, wind, and lightning. The conditions prompted weather advisories throughout the region. Students reported hearing loud thunderclaps and seeing flashes of lightning across campus throughout the late morning and early afternoon.

Students and groups that use Hales Gymnasium — such as OCircus and other recreational programs — can expect minimal disruption during the repair process. Facilities will continue to provide updates as the work progresses.