Tornado Watch issued for some central Ohio counties until 11 p.m. Friday

Chance for damaging winds, hail, and an isolated tornado possible.

A Tornado Watch has been issued Friday until 11 p.m. and is currently impacting Pickaway and Fayette counties. All other previous counties under a Tornado Watch have since been removed as storms continue to weaken and drift south.

Much of the area will continue to see relatively calm conditions tonight but a few isolated downpours will be possible overnight. The severe threat will continue to diminish tonight with heavy rain being the primary concern overnight.

A warm front will trigger a few lines of showers and a thunderstorm through the early afternoon. This will mainly impact counties north and west of Columbus. The humid air mass moving in through the day with dew points in the upper 60s and low 70s will be the perfect fuel for storms tonight.

A line of damaging storms is expected to move south through the area this evening, closer to sunset. Any bowing of this line will bring damaging winds with gusts up to 70 mph possible.

Damaging winds are the main threats, but we do have the chance to see 1" hail and tornadoes through the night. The best timeframe for this will be after sunset through the overnight.

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.

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.