Hail, from small to up to the size of golf balls has been reported in some areas on Columbus’ Northwest Side and in Worthington from a storm system that has led to multiple severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of central Ohio on Wednesday, April 22.
A strong thunderstorm is expected to impact portions of northeast Licking County through 7:15 p.m. At 6:50 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was located 9 miles northwest of Frazeysburg, moving south at 10 mph.
A strong thunderstorm is expected to hit portions of southeastern Franklin and Fairfield counties and northwestern Hocking and Licking counties through 8:30 p.m., according to the weather service.
A severe thunderstorm warning issued for parts of Franklin, Fairfield and Licking counties at 6:15 p.m. expired at 6:45 p.m. after an earlier warning for north central Fairfield County and southern Licking County expired at 6:15 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued until 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, for northeastern Franklin County, southern Delaware County, and southeastern Union County. That warning also expired.
The severe storms brought heavy rain, lightning and thunder, and hail to various areas in central Ohio.
Central Ohio weather radar
The weather service warned of wind gusts up to 60 mph and possible damage to trees and power lines. Hail the size of quarters is possible with damage to vehicles possible, the weather service said.
A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued until 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, for northeastern Franklin County, southern Delaware County, and southeastern Union County. That warning also expired.
Hail was reported on Columbus’ Northwest Side shortly before 5 p.m. by Dispatch staffer Andy Resnik, who noted that the hail had covered the driveway of his home and was piling up in the yard, front planting bed and out on the street.
Dispatch staffer Dean Narciso reported hail up to golf ball size fell for a good 15-20 minutes in Worthington as a result of the passing storm. Then the skies opened up again to sunshine, he said.
Dark skies with visible lightning and thunder were passing over ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Dispatch photojournalist Adam Cairns reported, but the front passed and skies turned sunny again.
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a storm is occurring or about to occur with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail one inch in diameter or larger, the National Weather Service says. These storms can also bring heavy rain and, in some cases, flooding or flash flooding.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
Also, remember lightning can travel several miles from a storm, so hearing thunder means you’re within striking distance. The common advice from experts is “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
How to stay safe around lightning
If indoors:
If in a vehicle:
What to do if a vehicle is struck by lightning
This is a breaking news story. Check back at Dispatch.com for more updates.
Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@dispatch.com, at ShahidMeighan on X, and at shahidthereporter.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Hail, heavy rains hit parts of central Ohio as thunderstorms move through
Reporting by Shahid Meighan, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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