Newark, OH – A line of powerful storms triggered multiple tornado warnings across south-central and central Ohio early Thursday morning, with the National Weather Service urging residents to take immediate shelter.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, radar indicated rotation near Beechwood Trails in Licking County at 2:19 a.m. EDT, with the storm tracking northeast at 55 mph. A separate tornadic cell near West Union in Adams County was moving east at a rapid 75 mph, prompting additional warnings in Scioto County, including Portsmouth and Lucasville.
The warnings are set to expire by 2:45 a.m. EDT, but residents in impacted areas should remain alert for possible extensions or additional alerts. Areas under threat include Heath, Pataskala, Granville, and Hebron in Licking County, as well as Otway, Rarden, and McDermott in Scioto County.
Mobile homes and vehicles are at high risk, and flying debris poses serious danger to anyone caught outdoors. Residents are urged to move to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Travelers along I-70 between mile markers 117 and 125 should use caution. NWS continues to monitor for rotation and advises using NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates.
