Columbus, OH – A significant severe weather threat is set to impact central and southwest Ohio Sunday evening, with tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail all possible during the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, storms are expected to develop after 5 p.m., with the highest risk window between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Areas under the greatest threat include Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, and surrounding communities. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 (Enhanced) risk for much of central and western Ohio.
Primary hazards include damaging wind gusts over 60 mph and the potential for a few tornadoes, particularly within a red-dashed zone extending from Cincinnati through Wilmington to Brookville. Large hail is also possible as a secondary threat.
Residents are urged to review emergency plans, identify safe shelter locations, and ensure multiple alert methods are enabled—especially alerts that will wake them overnight. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are strongly encouraged for mobile phones.
The NWS emphasizes that storms may arrive during or shortly after sunset, reducing visibility and increasing danger. Stay weather-aware and ready to act quickly if warnings are issued.
