The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down in south Columbus during Tuesday morning’s severe storms, adding another piece to the picture of just how rough the storm system was across central Ohio.
The NWS Wilmington office conducted a preliminary damage survey Thursday alongside Franklin County Emergency Management. In south Columbus, the survey found a convergent damage pattern stretching from E. Hinman Avenue east across Parsons Avenue, through Barack Park and as far east as Fairwood Avenue. The area had extensive tree damage as well as structural damage, including roofs damaged on homes and businesses.
The tornado was rated EF1, meaning estimated wind speeds reached between 86 and 110 mph. It’s the first EF1 tornado confirmed in Franklin County since February 28, 2024, when a tornado traveled from Brown Township into Hilliard.
Tuesday’s tornado is also notable because Franklin County did not receive a tornado warning during the storms. The tornado was part of a larger line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the area Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the NWS found that the significant damage in Upper Arlington was caused by something different.
Survey crews found no visible signs of a tornadic circulation or convergent damage pattern around Upper Arlington High School and along Zollinger Road. Instead, the damage was attributed to straight-line winds estimated at 90 to 100 mph.
Some of the worst tree damage in Upper Arlington was found just east of the high school along Mount Holyoke Road, Wellesley Drive, Halstead Road, Pickwick Drive and N. Star Road.
And while the tornado has now been confirmed, the storm assessment isn’t quite finished. The NWS says additional surveys are planned to determine the nature of other wind-damage corridors around central Ohio, with a more detailed final assessment of the south Columbus tornado expected in the coming days.
The storms left widespread damage across Franklin County, with downed trees, damaged buildings and power outages reported throughout the area. Columbus and Franklin County officials have also declared emergencies as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
