FAYETTE COUNTY, Ohio — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington confirmed that a third tornado struck southwest Ohio overnight Thursday, adding to the region’s woes after a powerful storm system brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall earlier this week. The latest twister, classified as an EF0, touched down in Clinton County before carving a path eastward into Fayette County, leaving behind evidence of its passage in the form of a “tornadic debris signature” on radar.
The tornado follows a destructive EF1 tornado that hit Fayette County on Sunday, part of a series of storms that have pummeled the Midwest this week. NWS meteorologists are still evaluating the full extent of the damage from the overnight tornado, as well as its precise track and duration on the ground. Initial reports suggest it was a relatively weak system, but the compounding effects of multiple storms have heightened concerns across the region.
Ohio remains under a flood watch through Sunday as the broader storm system, described by forecasters as “catastrophic,” lingers over the Midwest. The NWS projects that central Ohio, including Columbus, could see between 4 and 6 inches of rainfall accumulated from Wednesday through Sunday. Thursday’s tornado came amid intense thunderstorms that dumped significant precipitation overnight, exacerbating the risk of flooding in already-saturated areas.
Friday’s forecast for central Ohio calls for continued showers, with high temperatures in the low 60s and east winds around 8 mph. The NWS estimates an 80% chance of precipitation, with an additional quarter to half-inch of rain possible—further straining local waterways and infrastructure.
The latest tornado marks the third confirmed twister in southwest Ohio this week, following Sunday’s storm in Fayette County. Emergency management officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as the combination of tornadoes, heavy rain, and potential flooding poses ongoing risks.
Damage assessments are ongoing, and the NWS has deployed storm survey teams to both Clinton and Fayette counties to gather more data. Residents are encouraged to report any storm-related damage to local authorities to aid in the recovery process.