Tornado Alert: Franklin County Braces for Possible Storm Damage

Tornado Alert in Franklin County:

Tornado sirens were activated early Wednesday in Franklin County, responding to a possible tornado in Madison County near the Franklin County border. The National Weather Service is yet to confirm if a tornado touched down, pending on-ground surveys. Extensive damage, including downed trees and road closures, was reported in Jefferson Township and at the Madison County Airport.

Road Closures and Debris:

The aftermath of the storm led to significant road closures and debris scattered across highways and local roads. The southbound lanes of Interstate 71 were closed south of U.S. 62 due to debris on the roadway, while U.S. 42 was shut between I-70 and U.S. 40 due to downed power lines. The Ohio Department of Transportation advised commuters to seek alternate routes and utilize ODOT’s online traffic monitor, Ohgo.com, for real-time updates on travel conditions.

Impact on Power and Flights:

Power outages affected thousands across the region, with about 7,000 people without power according to AEP Ohio, and another 1,000 reported by Columbus Power. Columbus Division of Power provides an outage map for residents to check if their area is affected. Additionally, some flight delays were reported at John Glenn International Airport, prompting passengers to check flight statuses online or through airline apps.

Tornado Warnings and Cancellations:

The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for Franklin County and surrounding areas, urging residents to seek shelter. A scheduled tornado siren warning test in Franklin County was canceled in anticipation of severe weather. While the tornado watch was lifted by early morning, gusty winds persisted throughout the day, with temperatures expected to drop into the 20s.

Safety Precautions and Flight Updates:

Residents are reminded to stay indoors and away from windows during severe weather conditions. To check for power outages, residents can refer to online maps provided by AEP Ohio and Columbus Division of Power. Travelers are advised to monitor flight statuses through official airport websites and airline apps.

Seasonal Tornado Activity:

While December and January are typically less common for tornadoes, late February can see an increase in severe weather events. Climate change trends may contribute to more winter tornadoes as Ohio experiences shifts in seasonal weather patterns.

Weather Forecast for the Week:

Wednesday’s forecast includes possible thunderstorms in the morning with temperatures dropping throughout the day. Breezy conditions are expected, with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.