Several rounds of severe storms moved through central Ohio Wednesday morning.
A suspected tornado in southern Ohio's Highland County was blamed for damaging several homes near Leesburg. No serious injuries were reported.
Some parts of the state were slated to remain under tornado watches or flooding advisories into late morning.
This is the same storm system that affected 14 states with nearly 1,000 miles of damage reports from Oklahoma to southwestern Pennsylvania.
In those states, there were over 20 tornado reports with hail, wind damage and flooding. Multiple tornados were reported in Illinois, Missouri and Indiana.
The National Weather Service confirmed two tornados did touch down in Ohio in Clermont (No EF rating yet) and Hamilton County (EF-0).
Two other tornadoes may have touched down in Highland County, but that is not yet confirmed by the NWS.
Doppler 10 weather Resources: Interactive Radar | Live Radar | Weather Warnings | Updated Forecast
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LATEST WARNINGS
Wind Advisory: N. Central Ohio until 10 p.m. Winds of 25-35 or 40 mph expected.
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EXTENDED FORECAST
This Afternoon: Storms lingering. Very windy. Mid 60s. SW 15-25 mph gusting at 30 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a chance of a wintry mix late in the evening. Low 30s. W 15-25 mph.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers early. A few snowflakes possible late. Mid 40s. W 10-15 mph.
Friday: Partly cloudy with the chance of a mix of rain and snow. Upper 30s.
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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY GUIDE
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WATCHES & WARNINGS
Watch
A Watch indicates the possibility of severe weather in a relatively broad area. For instance, a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Go about your normal routines, but watch for threatening weather.
Warning
A Warning is issued when severe weather is actually occurring. For instance, a tornado warning means a tornado has actually been sighted or has been indicated by radar. The warning usually encompasses a relatively small geographic area. If a warning is issued for the area in which you live, take cover immediately!
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TORNADOES AREN'T THE ONLY REASON TO STAY ALERT
Strong Winds
Strong winds of 55 mph or more can cause significant damage even though no tornado is present. "Downbursts" are columns of air that slam to the earth and spread high winds in many directions. Downbursts can be just as damaging as tornadoes; if such conditions are present, take the same precautions as you would for a tornado.
Lightning
Lightning claims more lives every year than tornadoes. When lightning is a threat, stay indoors and don't use electrical appliances. If you're caught outside, keep a safe distance from tall objects, and try to stay lower than anything nearby. A safe distance from a tree is twice its height.
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TAKING COVER
Storms producing tornadoes in Ohio often approach from the southwest. They can travel at speeds up to 70 miles per hour and contain winds estimated at over 200 miles per hour.
Sometimes an approaching tornado will sound like the roar of a train or airplane. If you see or hear a tornado, take cover immediately. Seek shelter inside, preferably below ground level. Do not waste time opening windows; tornado-force winds will "open" the windows well before the pressure difference can cause any structural damage. Above all, protect your head and lie flat.
At Home
Get away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the basement. If you have no basement, go to a first floor bathroom, closet or room at the center of the house. If possible, get under heavy furniture and cover your head with blankets or pillows.
At School
Go the lowest floor or basement. Go to small interior rooms or hallways. Stay away from windows and avoid auditoriums, gyms and other areas with wide, free-span roofs.
In Public Buildings
Go immediately to the designated shelter area or to an interior hallway or small room on the lowest level. Stay away from windows. Do not use elevators. Do not go to your car.