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Multiple tornado warnings and watches across central and southern Ohio

Tornado siren
Tornado siren

A tornado watch has been issued for Franklin County, other parts of central Ohio and virtually all of the southern half of Ohio until 10 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Wilmington has announced.

As the worst of the storms passed through the area, an NWS Wilmington representative said by 9:20 p.m., no tornadoes had been reported in the Columbus area. The representative added they were still processing reports of tornadoes near Dayton.

The storms caused damage in the Delaware and Ross County areas, the NWS said. Around 9:30 p.m., the NWS reported that the severe threat from storms was diminishing.

As the storm passed through southeast Ohio, it created some interesting cloud formations as it passed through Athens County.

The storm created some unique cloud formations as it passed over the Ohio University airport near Albany in Athens County. Photo submitted by Lee Bolen.
The storm created some unique cloud formations as it passed over the Ohio University airport near Albany in Athens County. Photo submitted by Lee Bolen.

Portions of Licking County, including Johnstown, and eastern parts of Delaware County were on tornado warnings until 9:00 p.m., according to the NWS.

Other parts of Delaware County were also under a tornado warning until 8:15 p.m., according to NWS Wilmington. Portions of Hocking County and Athens County are also under tornado warnings.

Ross County and the city of Chillicothe were also under tornado warnings until 8:15 p.m.

According to the NWS, parts of southern Union and northern Madison Counties were previously under warnings as the storms rolled through the area but expired around 7:15 p.m. Portions of southern Pickaway County were also under a tornado warning.

According to the NWS, damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will be possible as a storm front moves through the area this evening.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 10 p.m., the NWS said. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A tornado watch, according to the National Weather Service, is when "severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible." Watches are issued for large areas as a means of warning the public in advance of the potential for severe weather.

A tornado warning, on the other hand, is when a tornado is imminent or has been spotted. When this happens, experts say residents in the warning area should take immediate action and find safe shelter.

Cole Behrens is a reporter at The Columbus Dispatch covering public safety and breaking news. You can reach him at CBehrens@dispatch.com or find him on Twitter at @Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Multiple tornado warnings and watches across central and southern Ohio