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Flood watch vs. flood warning: Which is more serious?

Flood watch vs. flood warning: Which is more serious?

Like tornadoes, there's a warning system in place for flooding and flash flooding. And it can be just as confusing. Here's the difference.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus activates Franklinton floodwall after heavy rain overnight

Columbus activates Franklinton floodwall after heavy rain overnight

A Columbus spokesperson said Aug. 20 crews were activating the Franklinton floodwall and installing floodgates on Greenlawn Avenue and Harmon Avenue
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Schools moving forward with first day despite flooding

Columbus Schools moving forward with first day despite flooding

Despite heavy rain and flood warnings across central Ohio on Aug. 20, Columbus City Schools students headed back to class for the first day of school.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Cold air funnel clouds may appear in central Ohio, flood watch underway

Cold air funnel clouds may appear in central Ohio, flood watch underway

Cold air funnel clouds are an unusual weather event that comes from the mixing of storm clouds with cold air high in the atmosphere.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Flood warning issued for central Ohio counties as heavy rain return

Flood warning issued for central Ohio counties as heavy rain return

A flood watch is in effect for Columbus and much of central Ohio through the morning of Aug. 20 as another round of heavy rain is expected.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
6 tornadoes struck the Buckeye state Aug. 11, 2 in central Ohio. See where

6 tornadoes struck the Buckeye state Aug. 11, 2 in central Ohio. See where

Six tornadoes ranging from EF0 to EF2 (65-135 mph) touched down across Ohio on August 11, causing significant property damage.
1Weather 1Weather
Flood Watch Issued for Central Ohio Amid Cold Air Funnel Sightings

Flood Watch Issued for Central Ohio Amid Cold Air Funnel Sightings

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for central Ohio counties, including Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union, effective through Thursday morning, August 20, 2026. The region has experienced repeated rounds of storms, leading to saturated soil and increased risk of flooding and flash flooding. Delaware County experienced a flash flood warning on August 19, which expired at 9:15 p.m. after heavy rain caused up to 1.5 inches of additional rainfall. Additionally, multiple reports of cold air funnel clouds were received in west-central Ohio, with the potential for these to move into central Ohio. While typically harmless, cold air funnels can occasionally touch down and cause minor tornado-like damage. [Source: The Columbus Dispatch, 2026-08-19, 9:46 p.m. ET]
1Weather 1Weather
Six Tornadoes Confirmed in Western and Central Ohio

Six Tornadoes Confirmed in Western and Central Ohio

The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed six tornadoes touched down in western and central Ohio during storms on August 11, 2026. The strongest tornado, an EF2, occurred south of Catawba in Clark County with maximum winds of 115 mph (185 km/h), causing significant structural damage. Other tornadoes included an EF0 near Springfield, an EF1 east of Springfield, another EF1 southeast of Urbana, and two EF1s near Choctaw Lake and south Columbus. The storms also brought straight-line winds that caused additional damage, though these were not tornado-related. Surveyors have been analyzing the damage and may release further updates. [Source time: 2026-08-18T00:00:00]
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Flood warning issued for Butler, Warren counties after heavy rainfall

Flood warning issued for Butler, Warren counties after heavy rainfall

A flood warning has been issued for Butler and Warren counties early Thursday due to excessive rainfall.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Driver whose vehicle flipped on I-71 Aug. 11 was treated and released

Driver whose vehicle flipped on I-71 Aug. 11 was treated and released

A driver was treated and released after their vehicle was flipped by 100 mph winds during a severe storm and tornado event in Columbus.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Weather service confirms 2 Ohio tornadoes. Where they touched down

Weather service confirms 2 Ohio tornadoes. Where they touched down

Two more tornadoes hit Ohio this past weekend following a possible derecho and tornado in Columbus last week. Here's the latest.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
When will the rain stop in Columbus? Here's when drier weather returns

When will the rain stop in Columbus? Here's when drier weather returns

Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible Aug. 17 before mostly dry weather returns Aug. 18. More rain is possible again Wednesday.