Columbus, Ohio – Nearly 40 counties across central and southern Ohio are under a Tornado Watch until 3 a.m. EDT Saturday as strong storms sweep across the region, posing threats of damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 269 was issued at 7:15 p.m. Friday and covers major population centers including Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Athens. The watch remains in effect through the overnight hours, with the most intense storms expected between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Counties under the watch include Franklin, Butler, Warren, Hamilton, Greene, and Licking, among others. Residents in these areas are urged to stay weather-aware, charge devices in case of power outages, and review tornado shelter plans. Local emergency managers recommend avoiding travel during periods of active warnings and seeking immediate shelter if sirens sound.
This severe setup is part of a broader system pushing across the Ohio Valley, capable of producing rotating supercells and short-lived tornadoes. Tonight’s threat echoes similar late-spring outbreaks seen in May 2022.
Additional warnings may be issued throughout the night. The Tornado Watch remains active until 3 a.m., and further updates will be posted as new information becomes available.
