COLUMBUS, Ohio — Severe weather is on the way, producing damaging straight-line winds, hail and even tornadoes, and local officials are getting prepared.

What You Need To Know

  • Officials are preparing for the severe weather tonight

  • The Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security is actively assessing the situation

  • They are working with meteoroloigists and other weather organizations

  • Make sure you know the terms, have a safety plan ready and keep up to date with weather alerts

Kelly McGuire, public information officer for the Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, said the organization is “actively assessing the potential for severe weather.

They said they are working with the National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center as well as local meteorologists.

“Our team is working with local jurisdictions and public safety officials to provide ongoing situational awareness,” she said in an email. “FCEM&HS staff will remain on-site throughout the storm, tracking its impact and offering continued support to our local partners.”

They are also encouraging residents to create a preparedness plan in order to stay safe. You should make sure to practice this plan with your family and don’t forget about your pets and decide on a good meeting place.

They also want people to understand the risks, suggesting residents check their website for the top hazards.

You should also know the proper weather terms.

“A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado in and close to the area,” McGuire said in the email. “A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been detected by radar or sighted by storm spotters.”

If a tornado hits, you should go your basement or the interior room on your home’s lowest floor, staying away from windows, the FCEM&HS email suggests.

You should also make sure you have an emergency kit with the following for everyone in the family, and account for pets:

  • Water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Important documents

According to the Ohio EMA, there is the potential for heavy rain, strong wind, hail and even tornadoes.

“These hazards have consequences including flooding, property damage, power outages, injury, and even death,” Sandy Mackey with the Ohio EMA said in an email. “Being aware of the hazards that may impact your location is important and can help you prepare and stay safe.”

They advise Ohioans to never drive through flooded roads, that they always look for an alternative route. They say it’s important to know where you’re going to seek shelter prior to the severe storms hitting.

They also suggest having multiple ways to receive emergency notifications, whether it’s via radio, text or county-wide mass notification systems.

For Franklin County, you can sign up for alerts here or by texting FCReady to 888777.

Spectrum News 1 meteorologist Ashley Batey contributed to this report.

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