OHIO — The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Ohio during the early morning hours of Thursday, increasing the state’s tornado count for 2026 to 13.
The first tornado was rated EF-2 and began in Franklin County, Indiana, at 1:24 a.m. before crossing into Butler County, Ohio. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado reached estimated peak winds of 125 mph and remained on the ground until 1:33 a.m.
Survey crews found the tornado caused significant damage in Indiana, knocking down large tree limbs and lifting the roofs off homes along Welsh Road and Drewersburg Road.
As the tornado crossed into Butler County, it weakened to an EF-0. The National Weather Service said the storm knocked down tree limbs along Schradin Road before dissipating.
“The National Weather Service would like to thank the Franklin County, Indiana Emergency Management Agency and the Butler County, Ohio Emergency Agency for their assistance and support with this damage survey,” the survey states.
The National Weather Service also confirmed a second tornado touched down near Elm Grove in Pike County early Thursday morning. Additional information about that tornado has not yet been released.
With the confirmation of the two tornadoes, Ohio has now recorded 13 tornadoes so far in 2026.
