Franklin County, Ohio tornadoes

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41confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: March 30, 2025, EF0. 2026 so far: 2 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Franklin County

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The record

At a glance

Total411950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthFebruary6 of 41
StrongestF3Feb 22, 1971
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries16whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Franklin County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 0Feb: 6Mar: 1Apr: 6May: 5Jun: 6Jul: 5Aug: 4Sep: 4Oct: 4Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

February is the peak month, with 6 of 41 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 2: 0: 03 AM: 1: 5: 16 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 0: 0: 212 PM: 3: 3: 23 PM: 6: 6: 46 PM: 1: 1: 19 PM: 0: 2: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

50 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 11960: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 1: 1: 0: 5: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 1: 02010: 2: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 5: 119501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
19
EF1
13
EF2
7
EF3
2

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Strongest

F3, February 22, 1971

6.8 mile path Longest path

89.6 miles, F3

May 10, 1973, whole path Widest

500 yards, F0

July 28, 1961
Every tornado

All 41 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 30, 2025EF02.58 mi250 yd00
Feb 28, 2024EF214.04 mi300 yd00
Feb 28, 2024EF05.71 mi75 yd00
Feb 28, 2024EF00.51 mi60 yd00
Feb 28, 2024EF13.81 mi200 yd00
Feb 28, 2024EF112.3 mi250 yd00
Sep 26, 2018EF13.73 mi150 yd00
Apr 3, 2018EF12.63 mi75 yd00
Jun 4, 2016EF00.3 mi135 yd00
Oct 31, 2013EF00.27 mi50 yd00
Apr 20, 2011EF00.12 mi50 yd00
Apr 20, 2011EF12.54 mi100 yd00
Oct 26, 2010EF00.21 mi100 yd00
Sep 22, 2010EF00.06 mi50 yd00
May 11, 2008EF01.76 mi20 yd00
Oct 11, 2006F20.5 mi150 yd00
Aug 28, 2006F00.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 28, 2006F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 2, 1997F00.2 mi100 yd00
Jul 1, 1993F00.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 27, 1992F01 mi50 yd00
Jun 2, 1991F00.5 mi20 yd00
Jun 10, 1986F115 mi73 yd00
Aug 7, 1984F11 mi50 yd00
Jun 13, 1981F00.5 mi100 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Aug 11, 20261 ESE Upper ArlingtonNot yet rated
Aug 11, 20262 SSE Downtown ColumbusNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Cities

Cities in Franklin County

Each city page counts every tornado path within 10 miles of the city, including paths just over the county line.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 13, 2026.