Tornado hits Columbus, Ohio
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The gist
National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado hit Columbus' south side during Tuesday's derecho. The storm left over 800,000 without power and caused widespread damage.
Background
On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, a powerful line of severe thunderstorms, later classified as a derecho, swept through the Midwest and Ohio Valley, producing damaging winds and spawning tornadoes. The National Weather Service initially suspected a tornado in Columbus but couldn't confirm until survey crews assessed the damage on August 12-13. The derecho caused extensive damage across central Ohio, including Columbus, with winds up to 100 mph.
How it unfolded
- Aug 11, 2026Severe thunderstorms, later identified as a derecho, moved through Columbus around 10 a.m., causing widespread damage and power outages. A car was flipped on I-71, and winds of 82 mph were recorded at John Glenn International Airport.
- Aug 12, 2026Preliminary findings indicated a derecho hit Ohio, and survey crews were dispatched to assess damage and determine if a tornado occurred.
- Aug 13, 2026The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in south Columbus, with damage concentrated from East Hinman Avenue across Parsons Avenue, including roof damage to the Barack Community Center.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The National Weather Service confirmed the EF1 tornado and noted the damage pattern was consistent with a tornado, unlike straight-line wind damage in other areas.
- Public
- A homeless woman said her tent was blown away and the wind almost picked her up, illustrating the storm's intensity.
Still unverified
The exact path and full extent of the tornado's damage are still under preliminary assessment; some details may be updated as surveys continue.