COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thursday night was a rough one around Central Ohio, as multiple rounds of severe weather pushed through the region.
We started off the evening with a 10TV Weather Alert day that would go on to be backed by a tornado watch after 5 p.m. This would just be the start of an evening of damaging severe weather for Ohio.
As the evening went on severe storms fired up in Indiana leaving behind damage and reports of tornadoes.
Those storms maintained their ferocity as they crossed into Ohio and by shortly after 7 p.m. the first of many tornado warnings was issued in the 10TV coverage area.
Observed and radar indicated tornado warnings would go on from there to last much of the evening, with storms causing damage and disruptions beyond the 10 o’clock hour.
The full extent of the damage left behind will only truly come to light in the daylight Friday.
Below is the latest round of storm reports as of 1 a.m. Friday morning, but this is likely a massive undercount that will increase as the NWS processes storm reports into the day on Friday.
Thankfully, this is the end of our severe weather threat in Central Ohio for the time being. Showers and some thunder will continue overnight, with light showers remaining possible throughout the first part of the day on Friday. Temperatures will stay mild, holding in the 50s, thanks to the moisture and warm air still present in the state.
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Storm damage in Logan County/Delaware County
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DOPPLER 10 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!
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.
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 to 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.
During tornado drills or actual tornado warnings, remember to DUCK
D – Go DOWN to the lowest level, stay away from windows
U – Get UNDER something (such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk)
C – COVER your head
K – KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed