Columbus, OH – An urgent Tornado Watch remains in effect for much of western and central Ohio, southeast Indiana, and north-central Kentucky until 4 a.m. EDT Thursday, with over 10 million residents under severe weather risk.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch Number 103 was issued at 9:15 p.m. EDT Wednesday as a line of intense thunderstorms tracked eastward from western Indiana. The primary threats include damaging winds up to 75 mph, scattered hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter, and a few likely tornadoes—some of which could be intense.
The watch includes major metro areas such as Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, Cincinnati, and parts of the Lake Erie shoreline. The affected region spans roughly 70 miles east and west of a line from northeast of Toledo to southwest of Cincinnati.
Residents are urged to remain alert overnight. NOAA Weather Radio and smartphone alerts should be kept on loud settings. Emergency shelters and basement access should be identified in advance of any warnings.
This storm system continues a series of active spring weather patterns and could bring aviation disruptions, power outages, and travel hazards through early Thursday morning.
Stay indoors and be prepared to take shelter immediately if warnings are issued.
