The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southwestern Franklin County, northern Fayette County, northwestern Pickaway County and southern Madison County. The warning is in effect until 10:15 p.m. An earlier watch, issued at 9:10 p.m. Sunday, includes Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties along with other counties in south central Ohio and northern Kentucky. It is in effect until 1 a.m. Monday.

The storms are part of a band of severe weather that spread across the South and Midwest Sunday from the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee valleys. The storms are expected to move on to the East Coast on Monday. 

The NWS said storms could include large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and frequent lightning with heavy rainfall.

The forecast for Columbus Sunday night calls for storms to begin before 3 a.m., with a chance of continuing showers after sunrise. Some of the storms could be severe.

Expect low temperatures to reach about 60 degrees but a major cool-off during the evening, with lows dipping into the mid-30s.

What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?

The National Weather Service issues three levels of tornado alerts: watch, warning and emergency.

A tornado watch is the lowest level of severity and means tornadoes are possible. The conditions are there for possible tornadoes. Watches are usually large and can cover multiple counties or even states.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or is imminent based on weather radar in a small area. If a warning is issued for your area, you should seek shelter.

A tornado emergency indicates a tornado has touched down in a watch area and damage has been confirmed. Immediately seek shelter. 

Similarly, a severe thunderstorm watch indicates conditions are favorable for a strong thunderstorm to form and tells you to prepare. A severe thunderstorm warning means severe storm conditions like large hail or damaging wind are already occurring or will shortly occur, and you should seek shelter.

What to do during a tornado warning

A tornado warning means there is imminent danger. You should seek shelter in a sturdy building on the lowest floor, preferably a basement. Avoid windows.

If you are outside, seek the closest available shelter.

See this week’s forecast: Large hail, tornadoes possible amid severe storms expected Sunday night in central Ohio

How to track power outages in central Ohio

AEP Ohio serves Columbus and most of Eastern and Southern Ohio. Customers can view its power outage map here. You can report a power outage online or by calling 800-672-2231.

Columbus Division of Power customers can view an outage map here. DOP customers are encouraged to report outages not shown on the map by calling 614-645-7627.

FirstEnergy and its affiliates cover parts of Central Ohio to the north and west of Columbus. You can check FirstEnergy’s power outage map here. You can also report an outage online here or by phone at 888-544-4877.

This story has been updated to add new information. It will continue to be updated.

Reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at [email protected].