Gusty Showers with Funnel Cloud Potential Move Through Central Ohio
Radar-detected showers with 40 mph wind gusts and potential funnel clouds moved across Columbus and surrounding areas Tuesday evening.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Gusty showers capable of producing funnel clouds swept across central Ohio Tuesday evening, prompting the National Weather Service to issue special weather statements for multiple counties as the storm system moved east at 30 mph.
The weather service’s Wilmington office reported that at 5:39 p.m. EDT, radar indicated gusty showers extending from seven miles southwest of La Rue to near Choctaw Lake. Wind gusts reached up to 40 mph, with conditions favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds.
Areas Affected
The storm system impacted numerous communities across central Ohio, including Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Delaware, Upper Arlington, Gahanna, Hilliard, Marysville, Worthington, Bexley, Jefferson, Powell, Groveport, Sunbury, Plain City, West Jefferson, Richwood, Ashley, Minerva Park, and New California.
Major transportation corridors also fell within the affected zone. Interstate 70 in Ohio experienced conditions between mile markers 79 and 109, while Interstate 71 in Ohio saw impacts between mile markers 103 and 139.
Funnel Cloud Development
Weather service meteorologists noted that conditions remained favorable for weak, brief funnel cloud formation. Officials emphasized that this type of funnel cloud is typically harmless, though they can occasionally touch down briefly and produce wind gusts exceeding 50 mph.
A separate weather statement issued by the National Weather Service’s Cleveland office at 4:52 p.m. EDT tracked similar conditions further north. Doppler radar detected gusty showers capable of producing funnel clouds along a line from Liberty Center to near Columbus Grove, moving east at 20 mph.
Potential Impacts
The weather service warned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Officials advised residents that minor damage to outdoor objects was possible as the storm system continued its eastward movement.
The northern storm system affected communities including Toledo, Findlay, Bowling Green, Fostoria, Bluffton, Swanton, Perrysburg, Rossford, Waterville, Northwood, Whitehouse, North Baltimore, McComb, Weston, Arlington, Arcadia, Rawson, Vanlue, Van Buren, and Maumee.
Residents in affected areas were encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and remain aware of changing weather conditions as the shower activity moved through the region.
