Tornado warning sirens were sounded in Franklin County in response to a verified tornado sighting in Madison County near the Franklin County boundary that was heading west to east.
Franklin County was under a tornado forewarning until 5:45 a.m.
There are reports of tornado debris close to West Jefferson on the Madison–Franklin line. At 5:22 a.m., the National Weather Service tweeted that a tornado had made landfall east of London and was making its way eastward into Franklin County.
The National Weather Service said that strong winds are predicted to remain into the afternoon, but it canceled the tornado watch for the region at 6:57 a.m. Later today, temperatures are predicted to fall into the 20s.
Up until 6:15 a.m., Licking and Fairfield counties were under a warning. The counties of Perry and Morgan were included in the warning.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” according to the National Weather Service. “Mobile homes are going to get destroyed or damaged. There will be car, window, and roof damage. Tree damage is probably coming.”
Alongside the storm, thunderstorms can produce wind gusts up to 70 mph.
This isn’t an exam. Anticipating the expected severe weather, Franklin County postponed the planned tornado siren warning test for Wednesday at noon.
Here are some links and answers to often asked questions to help you get through the storm.
Are classes postponed because of the tornado warning?
The extreme weather has caused delays at many local schools. Here is a compilation of them.
In the event of a storm, how can I check for power outages?
An online map of local power outages is kept up to date by AEP Ohio.
The Columbus Division of Power keeps track of outages on its own map. You can report an outage at your location if your address appears on the map. The city already knows.
You may report power outages in New City by calling 614-645-7627.
Is there a delay on my Columbus flight?
It was unclear if the flight delays that were recorded at John Glenn International Airport on Tuesday afternoon were caused by the weather.
You may check the status of your flight via FlyColumbus.com, the airline app, or by getting in touch with the airline.
Do tornadoes often occur during the winter?
The National Weather Service states that tornadoes are least common between December and January. However, tornadoes and severe storms are “fairly common” by late February.
Perhaps more of these January tornadoes are in store as climate change causes Ohio to spring sooner and fall later.
The spring and summer months—particularly April through July—are when tornadoes are most frequent.
What will the rest of the week’s weather be like?
- Wednesday Before 11 a.m., there may be thunderstorms, and between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., there may be a risk of showers. Overcast, with a low of around 36 degrees at 5 p.m. Windy, gusting from 16 to 23 mph out of the southwest that turns west in the afternoon. There might be 38 mph wind gusts. There is a 70% probability of precipitation.
- Wednesday evening: Clear mostly, with a low of about 23. 11 to 17 mph west wind.
- Sunny with a high around 41 on Thursday.
- Thursday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 28.
- Friday: Mostly overcast, with a high about 48 degrees and a 30% chance of rain after 1 p.m.
- Friday night will be cloudy with a low of around 41 and a 30% chance of rain before 1 a.m.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a predicted high of 59.
- Saturday Night: A little overcast with a low of around 44.
