Tornado Warning Issued for Central Ohio Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Licking County, joining Delaware County under a warning in central Ohio as part of a large storm front moves east-southeast, traveling through Sunbury and headed toward Johnstown and nothern Licking County and southern Knox County.
The tornado warning remains in effect in Delaware County until 9:45 p.m. The Licking County warning is in effect until 10:15 p.m. Large hail is also reported with this front.
Threat of Tornadoes and Severe Weather
The NWS says the threat of a few tornadoes is “likely,” with scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph possible. Scattered hail “up to tennis ball size” is also possible.
A tornado watch remains in effect for the rest of central Ohio, including Franklin, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, and Madison counties.
Reports of possible ‘mass casualty’ incident in Logan County
The Logan County Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that a trailer park in the Indian Lake area just north of Lakeview has reportedly been struck by a tornado or at least very high winds that have caused extensive damage. A shortage of ambulance was reported.
An X user who was driving from Lima and passing through Logan took pictures of the extensive damage. In the post on X, he said authorities told him that he had missed the tornado “by about 2 minutes.” He could not confirm if there were any casualties but said that U.S. Route 33 would remain closed as authorities assessed the damage.
At least three confirmed tornadoes touched down Thursday afternoon in southern Indiana and north-central Kentucky Thursday, leaving dozens of structures damaged or destroyed. Tornadoes were confirmed near Hanover and Marion in Indiana and near Milton in Kentucky.
Tornado watch here comes on heels of tornadoes just over 2 weeks ago
The tornado watch comes just over two weeks after Ohio was hit by nine tornadoes in the pre-dawn hours of Feb. 28, seven of which struck central Ohio. Removal of downed trees, demolished buildings and barns, and other restoration work is still continuing in Madison, Franklin, and Licking counties.
What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in areas that often include large parts of several counties or states.
If a tornado watch is issued, it’s a good time to review emergency plans, check supplies, and decide the safest place for you to go in the event that the storm gets worse. Ensure your phones are charged and have a plan to act quickly should the watch become a warning.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar. A warning means there’s imminent danger to life and property in the warning area, and you should immediately move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.
Stay safe!
