Central Ohio is under a severe thunderstorm watch until the early morning hours of Aug. 11, and the region remains under a flood watch through the morning of Aug. 12 as rainwater runoff and continued storms could overflow creeks and rivers.
A severe thunderstorm watch for central Ohio counties, including Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties, was issued at 7:20 p.m. The advisory remains in effect until 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
As of 3 p.m. Aug. 10, the National Weather Service estimated that between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain had fallen in Franklin and Delaware counties, with another 0.5 to 1 inch possible into the night. Such heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in creeks, underpasses and areas with poor
drainage.
Several thunderstorms are expected to hit the area through Aug. 12.
Due to the Aug. 10 storms, 11,500 people in Licking County were without power and an additional 2,500 were without power in Franklin County at about noon, according to the AEP Ohio outages map. Licking County was down to about 5,319 customers without power and the number in Franklin County was down to about 63 as of 7:50 p.m. Aug. 10.
Severe thunderstorms roll through
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 7:20 p.m. Aug. 10 until 2 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11, for Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway and Madison Counties. Other counties under watch include Allen, Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Crawford, Darke, Defiance, Erie, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Hocking Huron, Knox, Logan, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Morrow, Ottawa, Paulding, Preble, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Union, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 10:43 a.m. for northeastern Franklin County, southeastern Delaware County and northwestern Licking County after radar indicated a severe thunderstorm near Sunbury capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph. The warning remained in effect until 11:15 a.m.
Early in the afternoon, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service for southeastern Fairfield County and Hocking County and was in effect until 1:15 p.m. Aug. 10. The storm brought wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour, which will likely cause damage to trees, mobile homes and roofs.
More rain expected
More rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected in the beginning of this week, as forecasters warning that some storms could produce damaging winds and flash flooding.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington says warm, humid conditions will fuel several rounds of thunderstorms throughout the day and into the night on Aug. 10.
The unsettled pattern isn't expected to end anytime soon, with additional rounds of rain and storms forecast through at least Aug. 13.
What is the weather forecast for Aug. 11?
The wet weather is expected to continue Aug. 11.
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast throughout much of the day, with a 90% chance of precipitation and a high near 86 degrees.
Rainfall totals between one-half and three-quarters of an inch are possible during the day, followed by another wet night. Forecasters say between 1 and 2 inches of rain could fall overnight in some areas, raising the risk for localized flooding.
When will the rain end in Columbus?
The National Weather Service expects an active weather pattern to continue through at least Aug. 13.
Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, with storms capable of producing damaging winds and repeated rounds of heavy rainfall.
Conditions gradually improve heading into the weekend.
Aug. 14 still carries a 40% chance of showers before skies become drier in the night. Aug. 15 currently looks to be the week's best day for outdoor plans, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 83 degrees. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Aug. 16.
What is the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning?
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
- Once inside a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment or plumbing.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of power loss.
- Secure loose objects outside, as they can become dangerous during high winds.
- Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
Also, remember lightning can travel several miles from a storm, so hearing thunder means you're within striking distance. The common advice from experts is "When thunder roars, go indoors."
How to stay safe around lightning
If indoors:
- Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity, according to the NWS.
- Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, faucets and even toilets, if you can.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrere floors or lay against concrete walls.
If in a vehicle:
- Ensure all windows are fully closed.
- Refrain from touching radios, ignition systems, or any metal parts connected to the vehicle's exterior.
- Stay inside the vehicle until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
What to do if a vehicle is struck by lightning
- Stay inside. Your car acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electricity around you and protecting you.
- Keep hands on your lap and away from metal surfaces.
- Do not touch the radio, dashboard, or any electrical components.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before exiting.
Dispatch reporter Nora Igelnik contributed to this report.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Central Ohio, flash flooding possible
