Tornadoes · United States · Ohio · 2024

EF1 tornado, Summerford to Darbydale, Ohio, February 28, 2024

Name: EF1 tornado, Summerford to Darbydale, Ohio, February 28, 2024
Start: 2024-02-28T10:14:00.000Z
End: 2024-02-28T10:28:00.000Z
Location: Summerford to Darbydale, Ohio

From Summerford to Darbydale, this EF1 tornado ran 12.3 miles across Madison and Franklin counties on February 28, 2024, touching down at 5:14 AM EST and reaching 250 yards wide. It killed nobody, and did $300,000 of property damage.

The rating scale

Tracks are drawn in the color of the rating. The Enhanced Fujita scale rates the damage rather than measuring the wind: the speeds are what that damage is taken to imply.

EF065 to 85 mph
Light damage. Surface peeled off some roofs, gutters and siding damaged, branches broken, shallow-rooted trees pushed over.
EF186 to 110 mphthis tornado
Moderate damage. Roofs badly stripped, mobile homes overturned or badly damaged, exterior doors lost, windows broken.
EF2111 to 135 mph
Considerable damage. Roofs torn off well-built houses, frame homes shifted on their foundations, mobile homes destroyed, large trees snapped or uprooted, cars lifted off the ground.
EF3136 to 165 mph
Severe damage. Whole stories of well-built houses destroyed, large buildings badly damaged, trains overturned, trees debarked, heavy cars lifted and thrown.
EF4166 to 200 mph
Devastating damage. Well-built houses leveled, structures with weak foundations moved some distance, cars thrown and large missiles generated.
EF5over 200 mph
Incredible damage. Strong frame houses swept off their foundations, car-sized missiles thrown more than 100 meters, steel-reinforced concrete badly damaged, high-rise buildings deformed.
Unrated
The survey recorded a tornado but could not put a number on it, most often because it crossed open country and damaged nothing a rating can be read from.

The record

Rating: EF1
Date: February 28, 2024
Touchdown: 5:14 AM EST (10:14 UTC)
Lifted: 5:28 AM EST (10:28 UTC)
On the ground: 14 minutes
Path length: 12.3 miles (19.8 km)
Path width: 250 yards (229 m)
Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $300,000
Counties: Madison and Franklin counties
Touchdown point: 39.886, -83.413
Lift-off point: 39.927, -83.184
Record number: 2402280414-01

The damage survey

78 damage points were recorded along this path by NWS ILN, in the Damage Assessment Toolkit the survey teams carry. The strongest indicator was rated EF2. The highest wind the damage implies is 130 mph.

Photo credit: Ohio State Highway Patrol
Estimated wind speed lowered due to lack of similar damage in the surrounding area.
photo credit: Ohio State Highway Patrol
Multiple outbuildings destroyed. Photo credit: Ohio State Highway Patrol

Survey points are preliminary and are the raw material the published rating was built from. Source: NWS Damage Assessment Toolkit.

What the Weather Service recorded

Showers and thunderstorms developed during the early morning hours ahead of a cold front moving through the Ohio Valley.

The tornado first touched down in Clark County at 0452EST, 5 miles south-southeast of Springfield. It moved east-northeast and crossed into Madison County at 0506EST, 2.3 miles west-southwest of Summerford. ||The tornado downed numerous trees and caused significant damage to several structures as it moved through western Madison County. Notable damage occurred at the Madison County Airport where one of the metal hangars was completely collapsed. There was also significant damage to several other hangars and planes at the airport. Based on the damage, winds were estimated to be 130 mph at this location. The tornado continued east from here, damaging other dwellings and trees. One home in particular had its second story completely removed. The tornado then lifted in an open field, 1 mile north-northeast of Lafayette.

The tornado developed near State Route 665, east of London, and moved to the east-northeast. The tornado initially caused minor tree and structural damage, including a tipped over trailer. It then strengthened as it crossed Spring Valley Road and then across Glade Run Road, where it peaked in intensity as it crossed Wilson Road. At this location, a home lost part of its roof and tree damage was considerable, with snapped|off trunks. Damage in this area was consistent with wind speeds of around 110 mph.||The tornado continued across West Jefferson-Klousville Road and then onward to Olmstead Road. Additional damage meeting the EF1 category was found along Roberts Road, just southeast of Plain City Georgesville Road. The tornado then entered Franklin County at 0525EST, about 1.5 miles east-southeast of West Jefferson. It continued east-northeast for about 3 more miles before ending just before reaching Alton Hall Elementary School at 0528EST.

The tornado initially touched down in Madison County at 0514EST, 1 mile east of London. The tornado moved east-northeast and entered Franklin County at 0525EST, about 1.5 miles east southeast of West Jefferson. The tornado caused damage to trees and outbuildings as it moved through far Western Franklin County. The last known damage from this tornado occurred near the intersection of Alton Road and Murnan Road.

A weak tornado developed on the west side of Alton and Darby Creek Road and moved along the north side of Roberts Road through portions of the city of Hilliard. Along the path, damage was a consistent mix of snapped trees, uprooted trees, numerous instances of minor roof and siding damage. One home on Hilliard Rome Road lost part of its roof, and another home near Westbreeze Drive had an attached garage peeled away and shifted. Damage in this area was consistent with wind speeds of around 110 mph.||The tornado weakened as it approached Interstate 270 and dissipated on the east side of the interstate. Additional damage was observed on both the west and east side of the interstate.

The first known damage from this tornado occurred on the southeast corner of the intersection of Biggert Road and London Groveport Road. Several stands of trees in this area were damaged and some minor roof damage to outbuildings was also observed. One stand of trees south of London Groveport Road had several trees snapped at the trunk.||Additional minor tree damage was observed further west on London Groveport Road. After this, the tornado is believed to have moved over a forested area near Big Darby Creek and no additional damage was found.

From NOAA NCEI's Storm Events Database, the narrative the local forecast office wrote for Storm Data.

The warnings

20 minutes of warning. NWS ILN issued a tornado warning for this county at 09:54 UTC, 20 minutes before the tornado touched down, in force until 10:30 UTC.

The county was under a tornado watch, issued at 09:40 UTC and running to 11:53 UTC.

Issued (UTC)	Expired	Product	Office
09:40 UTC	11:53 UTC	Tornado Watch	ILN
09:54 UTC	10:30 UTC	Tornado Warning	ILN
10:16 UTC	10:30 UTC	Tornado Warning	ILN

Every warning and watch covering the touchdown point that day, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service products. Lead time is measured from the issue of the warning in force to the touchdown time in the database, both of which were recorded to the minute by different people.

The forecast that day

The Storm Prediction Center had this point in a General Thunderstorms Risk. The outlook in force was issued at 05:07 UTC.

SPC's Day 1 convective outlook as it stood when the tornado began, read at the touchdown point. The same archive is on the radar archive.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the tornado touched down, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Wilmington, OH wrote its last area forecast discussion before the tornado touched down at Feb 28, 3:25 AM EST, 1 hour 49 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 28, 3:25 AM EST, 1 hour 49 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
325 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
Low pressure and a strong cold front will move east across the
Great Lakes and Ohio Valley today, bringing showers,
thunderstorms, and windy conditions. High pressure will build
quickly east into the Ohio Valley tonight, resulting in clearing
skies, drier air, and much colder temperatures. The high will
persist over the region into Thursday with below normal
temperatures expected.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
Potent cold front trailing Michigan low pressure is approaching
the ILN area. It is still likely that severe weather will
develop this morning given the strong wind fields and ample
instability ahead of the front. Convection is filling in along
the front, and tornado watch 27 remains in effect through 6am.
Damaging straight line winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes and
torrential downpours leading to flooding all remain possible. A
few tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued
to our west, and as convection reaches our western counties, we
are beginning to issue some warnings in our area as well.

Since precip to the west is expanding, categorical pops still
seem appropriate for this morning. Some locations may measure
over an inch of rainfall, even with this fast moving system.
Dry weather will move in this afternoon as subsidence arrives on
a west wind behind the cold front. Those synoptic scale winds
are likely to gust over 30 knots. Holding off on a wind advisory
for now since it appears strongest gusts will stay north of the
area. Temperatures are forecast to plummet from the 50s and 60s
into the 30s this afternoon as the colder air rushes in.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH 6 PM THURSDAY/...
Skies will be mostly clear tonight and sunny on Thursday thanks
to 1035mb high pressure tracking across Kentucky. As winds
subside under 20 knots, temperatures will fall a few degrees below
normal, with lows in the 20s tonight followed by highs in the
40s on Thursday.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
A weakening shortwave will be moving through the larger flow,
opening up as it nears the Ohio Valley region at the start of the
extended period. This translates to a surface wave bringing a shot
of rain (possibly some wet snow mixed in at onset) to the area
during the day on Friday. After this system scoots off to the east,
the area dries out for the remainder of the weekend with weak
ridging allowing for a warming trend. By Sunday, high temperatures
are forecast to be in the upper 60s/ low 70s.

The next notable disturbance looks to encroach into the area by the
start of the following working week. A closed low off to our west
will move northeast of our area, dragging a cold front through the
region. However, before that happens, we should get warm sectored
briefly and temperatures Monday rise into the 70s. Rounds of rain
arrive sometime on Monday prior to the cold front moving through.
After this, we'll feel a notable drop in temperatures as cold air is
ushered in behind the system.

Looking out into the extended, it appears that we'll stay active
with chances for precipitation continuing into mid week.

&&

.AVIATION /08Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Aviation is to be affected by strong thunderstorms and winds
associated with a potent cold front. Thunderstorms coverage is
expected to increase rapidly overnight as the front approaches.
Should see +TSRA at all sites by 12z. Ceilings and visibilities
will fall to MVFR as the boundary layer moistens. Winds on the
synoptic scale will gust over 30 knots at most sites. Wind
direction will shift to west with frontal passage. Improvement
to VFR is forecast as drier air moves in later in the forecast.

OUTLOOK...MVFR conditions are possible again Friday into
Saturday.

&&

.ILN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OH...None.
KY...None.
IN...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Coniglio
NEAR TERM...Coniglio
SHORT TERM...Coniglio
LONG TERM...CA
AVIATION...Coniglio

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 27, 4:03 PM EST, 13 hours 11 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
403 PM EST Tue Feb 27 2024

OHZ026-034-035-042>046-051>056-064-065-074-282115-
Hardin-Mercer-Auglaize-Darke-Shelby-Logan-Union-Delaware-Miami-
Champaign-Clark-Madison-Franklin-Licking-Pickaway-Fairfield-Hocking-
403 PM EST Tue Feb 27 2024

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Ohio and west central
Ohio.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms will develop mainly later this evening and
continue into the overnight. A few severe storms will be possible
late this evening through tonight. The main severe threat will be
damaging wind and isolated large hail. However, a tornado or two will
also be possible.

Outside of storms, it will be breezy to windy with wind gusts up to
40 mph possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Winds may gust up to 40 mph on Wednesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed tonight.

INZ050-058-059-066-073>075-080-KYZ089>100-OHZ060>063-070>073-077>082-
088-282115-
Wayne-Fayette-Union-Franklin-Ripley-Dearborn-Ohio-Switzerland-
Carroll-Gallatin-Boone-Kenton-Campbell-Owen-Grant-Pendleton-Bracken-
Robertson-Mason-Lewis-Preble-Montgomery-Greene-Butler-Warren-Clinton-
Ross-Hamilton-Clermont-Brown-Highland-Adams-Pike-Scioto-
403 PM EST Tue Feb 27 2024

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Indiana,
southeast Indiana, northeast Kentucky, northern Kentucky, central
Ohio, south central Ohio, southwest Ohio and west central Ohio.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms will develop mainly later this evening and
continue into the overnight. Some of the storms will likely be severe.
The main severe threat will be damaging wind and large hail, though a
few tornadoes are possible and a strong tornado cannot be ruled out.
In addition, localized flash flooding is possible for any area seeing
multiple rounds of storms.

Outside of storms, it will be breezy to windy with wind gusts up to
40 mph possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Winds may gust up to 40 mph on Wednesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed tonight.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Feb 28, 4:11 AM EST, 1 hour 3 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
411 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

INZ059-066-OHZ060-070-280945-
Union IN-Franklin IN-Butler OH-Preble OH-
411 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

...A CLUSTER OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF FRANKLIN
COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA...SOUTHERN UNION AND SOUTHEASTERN
FAYETTE COUNTIES IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA...SOUTHWESTERN PREBLE COUNTY
IN WEST CENTRAL OHIO AND NORTHWESTERN BUTLER COUNTIES IN SOUTHWESTERN
OHIO THROUGH 445 AM EST...

At 410 AM EST, a cluster of strong thunderstorms were located near
Brookville, moving east at 70 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Oxford, Batesville, Brookville, Liberty, Camden, West College Corner,
Oldenburg, Darrtown, Lake Santee, Salem, Reily, Blooming Grove,
Metamora, Laurel, Scipio, College Corner, Somerville, Cedar Grove,
Mount Carmel, and Dunlapsville.

This includes I-74 in Indiana between mile markers 145 and 148.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Residents in these areas should remain alert. If these storms becomes
stronger, then a warning may be needed.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM EST for southeastern
and east central Indiana...and southwestern and west central Ohio.

To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3953 8519 3953 8504 3959 8504 3966 8488
      3970 8459 3938 8471 3930 8529 3948 8530
TIME...MOT...LOC 0910Z 255DEG 59KT 3948 8507

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

KC

Special weather statement, Feb 28, 4:13 AM EST, 1 hour 1 minute before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
413 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

OHZ051>053-280945-
Champaign OH-Clark OH-Miami OH-
413 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
SHELBY...CHAMPAIGN...SOUTHEASTERN LOGAN...SOUTHEASTERN DARKE...
NORTHWESTERN CLARK AND NORTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTIES IN WEST
CENTRAL OHIO...SOUTHWESTERN UNION COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO AND MIAMI
COUNTIES IN WEST CENTRAL OHIO THROUGH 445 AM EST...

At 413 AM EST, a strong thunderstorm was located near Troy, moving
east at 70 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph, frequent cloud-to-ground
         lightning, and very heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Lightning can cause serious injury or
         death. Visibility will be poor and hydroplaning is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Springfield, Troy, Piqua, Urbana, Tipp City, New Carlisle, West
Milton, Northridge, Covington, St. Paris, North Lewisburg, Pleasant
Hill, Brown, Union, Christiansburg, North Hampton, Laura, Fletcher,
Tremont City, and Donnelsville.

This includes I-75 in Ohio between mile markers 66 and 83.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.

Motorists should slow down and use extra caution.

When thunder roars, go indoors! Do not stay in the open or seek
shelter under trees when lightning threatens.

Residents in these areas should remain alert. If this storm becomes
stronger, then a warning may be needed.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM EST for west central
Ohio.

To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 4023 8351 3992 8374 3992 8443 4012 8443
      4019 8413 4018 8402 4022 8402 4025 8388
TIME...MOT...LOC 0913Z 255DEG 59KT 4000 8425

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

KC

Special weather statement, Feb 28, 4:30 AM EST, 44 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
430 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

OHZ060-061-070-071-281015-
Montgomery OH-Warren OH-Butler OH-Preble OH-
430 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
PREBLE...CENTRAL BUTLER...NORTHWESTERN WARREN AND SOUTHERN MONTGOMERY
COUNTIES THROUGH 515 AM EST...

At 429 AM EST, a strong thunderstorm was located near Oxford, moving
east at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph, frequent cloud-to-ground
         lightning, and very heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Lightning can cause serious injury or
         death. Visibility will be poor and hydroplaning is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Hamilton, Kettering, Middletown, Miamisburg, Lebanon, Springboro,
Monroe, Trenton, Franklin, Carlisle, South Middletown, West
Carrollton, Seven Mile, Williamsdale, Hunter, Darrtown, Germantown,
New Miami, Millville, and Somerville.

This includes I-75 in Ohio between mile markers 28 and 45.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.

Motorists should slow down and use extra caution.

When thunder roars, go indoors! Do not stay in the open or seek
shelter under trees when lightning threatens.

Residents in these areas should remain alert. If this storm becomes
stronger, then a warning may be needed.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM EST for southwestern
and west central Ohio.

To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3935 8480 3956 8465 3961 8463 3967 8411
      3944 8418
TIME...MOT...LOC 0929Z 257DEG 47KT 3946 8477

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

KC

Special weather statement, Feb 28, 4:58 AM EST, 16 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
458 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

OHZ062-071-072-281045-
Warren OH-Clinton OH-Greene OH-
458 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF NORTHEASTERN
BUTLER...NORTHERN WARREN...NORTHWESTERN CLINTON...SOUTHERN GREENE AND
SOUTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTIES THROUGH 545 AM EST...

At 458 AM EST, a strong thunderstorm was located over Hunter, moving
east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph, frequent cloud-to-ground
         lightning, and very heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Lightning can cause serious injury or
         death. Visibility will be poor and hydroplaning is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Middletown, Xenia, Lebanon, Springboro, Monroe, Franklin, Bellbrook,
Carlisle, Waynesville, Jamestown, Hunter, New Jasper, Harveysburg,
Spring Valley, Corwin, Port William, Paintersville, State Route 63 at
State Route 741, Lytle, and Mount Holly.

This includes the following Interstates...
 I-71 in Ohio between mile markers 40 and 56.
 I-75 in Ohio between mile markers 29 and 41.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.

Motorists should slow down and use extra caution.

When thunder roars, go indoors! Do not stay in the open or seek
shelter under trees when lightning threatens.

Residents in these areas should remain alert. If this storm becomes
stronger, then a warning may be needed.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM EST for southwestern
and west central Ohio. A Tornado Watch also remains in effect until
1000 AM EST for central Ohio.

To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3959 8427 3958 8412 3964 8411 3971 8365
      3947 8380 3941 8434 3955 8433 3955 8437
      3959 8436
TIME...MOT...LOC 0958Z 259DEG 44KT 3952 8424

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

KC

Local storm report, Feb 28, 5:05 AM EST, 9 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
505 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0456 AM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 NNW Clifton           39.84N 83.84W
02/28/2024  M60 MPH          Clark              OH   AWOS

            AWOS station KSGH Springfield-Beckley
            Airport.

&&

Special weather statement, Feb 28, 5:08 AM EST, 6 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
508 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

OHZ070-071-077-281045-
Hamilton OH-Warren OH-Butler OH-
508 AM EST Wed Feb 28 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
FRANKLIN...NORTHEASTERN DEARBORN...NORTHERN BOONE...HAMILTON...
SOUTHERN BUTLER...NORTHWESTERN CLERMONT AND SOUTHWESTERN WARREN
COUNTIES THROUGH 545 AM EST...

At 508 AM EST, a strong thunderstorm was located over Taylor Creek,
moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph, pea size hail, frequent
         cloud-to-ground lightning, and very heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Hail may cause minor damage to
         vegetation. Lightning can cause serious injury or death.
         Visibility will be poor and hydroplaning is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Cincinnati, Hamilton, Fairfield, Mason, Lebanon, Norwood, Forest
Park, Sharonville, Monroe, Blue Ash, Loveland, Springdale, Reading,
Montgomery, Harrison, North College Hill, Madeira, Wyoming, Cheviot,
and Mount Healthy.

This includes the following Interstates...
 I-71 in Ohio between mile markers 8 and 32.
 I-74 in Ohio between mile markers 0 and 19.
 I-75 in Ohio between mile markers 5 and 27.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.

Motorists should slow down and use extra caution.

When thunder roars, go indoors! Do not stay in the open or seek
shelter under trees when lightning threatens.

Residents in these areas should remain alert. If this storm becomes
stronger, then a warning may be needed.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM EST for southeastern
Indiana...northern Kentucky...and southwestern Ohio.

To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3935 8482 3945 8416 3926 8409 3927 8426
      3922 8432 3921 8431 3921 8428 3918 8429
      3917 8435 3914 8473 3915 8475 3913 8482
TIME...MOT...LOC 1008Z 257DEG 44KT 3925 8469

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

KC

The air that afternoon

The radiosonde launches on either side of the tornado, from the nearest station that was launching then, drawn and analyzed the way Storm Lab does: the same diagram, the same parcel and shear definitions SPC's mesoanalysis uses.

Cncnati-Daytn, OH (KILN), 00:00Z

10.2 hours before the tornado, 68 km from the path. February 28, 2024.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed. The warm shading is its CAPE, the cool shading the inhibition it has to break through.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km. RM and LM are the right and left moving storms Bunkers' method gives; the shaded area is the 0 to 1 km storm-relative helicity.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 19 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -196 J/kg
Surface CAPE: 98 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 762 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 57 kt
0-1 km bulk shear: 7 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 29 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 89 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0
0-3 km lapse rate: 5.3 K/km

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

Cncnati-Daytn, OH (KILN), 12:00Z

1.8 hours after it, 68 km from the path. February 28, 2024.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed. The warm shading is its CAPE, the cool shading the inhibition it has to break through.

Hodograph

Mixed-layer CAPE: 0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -101110 J/kg
Surface CAPE: 0 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 871 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 75 kt
0-1 km bulk shear: 12 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 46 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 141 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0
0-3 km lapse rate: 5.0 K/km

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The surface observations

Bolton Field Air (TZR), 14 km from the path, in the two hours either side.

Time (UTC)	Temp (°F)	Dew point (°F)	Wind	Gust (kt)	Pressure (mb)	Weather
08:15 UTC	63	55.4	200° 13 kt	17	996.3
08:35 UTC	64.2	55.8	210° 13 kt	17	995.9
08:55 UTC	64.4	55.8	200° 13 kt		995.3	VCTS
09:15 UTC	65	55.8	210° 13 kt		994.9
09:35 UTC	65.5	55.8	200° 15 kt	21	994.6	TS
09:55 UTC	65	56.7	200° 17 kt	27	994.2	-TSDZ
10:15 UTC	64	57.4	190° 16 kt	27	993.9	RA
10:35 UTC	62.4	58.3	240° 27 kt	33	995.9	+TSRA
10:55 UTC	60.3	56.5	250° 12 kt	15	996.3	TSRA
11:15 UTC	58.6	56.3	250° 14 kt	18	996.3	RA
11:35 UTC	58.5	56.3	260° 11 kt	17	995.9	TS
11:55 UTC	58.6	55.6	270° 6 kt		996.6

From the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of airport observations.

The radar

The Cincinnati radar (KILN), 70 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the touchdown began at 10:15 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment, over the track

Reflectivity and velocity, decoded from the Level II archive in the browser. Volumes take a few seconds to open the first time.

What was reported nearby

Local storm reports within 60 km of the path, in the three hours either side.

Time (UTC)	Report	Where	County	Remark
09:39 UTC	TSTM WND GST 53	2 W Fairborn	Greene, OH
09:48 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	4 Sw Yellow Springs	Greene, OH	Several trees downed near the south end of W Enon Road.
09:49 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	3 Sw Yellow Springs	Greene, OH	Several trees downed along Snively Road east of Sutton Road.
09:49 UTC	TORNADO	5 E Enon	Clark, OH	Large tree down. Photo verified. Time estimated from RADAR.
09:50 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	Yellow Springs	Greene, OH	Two power poles were blown over, several trees were uprooted and a couple homes south of town suffered minor roof damage. Estimated wind speed around 75 mph.
09:51 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	2 N Clifton	Clark, OH	Several trees downed along Jackson Road, Springfield Jamestown Road, and Mosier Road.
09:52 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	3 Nne Clifton	Clark, OH	Several trees downed and minor damage to a home at a property on Old Clifton Road.
09:52 UTC	TORNADO	4 Sse Springfield	Clark, OH	A tornado developed south of Springfield, Ohio, intensifying to EF2 strength as it progressed northeast out of Clark County, Ohio and into Madison County, Ohio. There were numerous reports of tree damage, barn damage, an
09:54 UTC	TORNADO	4 Se Springfield	Clark, OH	Corrects previous tornado report from 4 SE Springfield. Moderate damage, heavy debris reported on Mitchell Rd. Tornado likely. TDS was observed on KILN radar. Time estimated from radar.
09:54 UTC	TORNADO	4 Se Springfield	Clark, OH	Moderate damage, heavy debris reported on Mitchell Rd. Tornado likely. TDS was observed on KILN radar.
09:55 UTC	HAIL 2	1 Wnw Springfield	Clark, OH
09:56 UTC	TSTM WND GST 60	3 Nnw Clifton	Clark, OH	AWOS station KSGH Springfield-Beckley Airport.
09:56 UTC	TORNADO	5 Ese Springfield	Clark, OH	Multiple houses damaged. Tornado likely. TDS observed on KILN radar. Time estimated from radar.
09:59 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	3 W South Vienna	Clark, OH	12 inch diameter tree reported down near New Love Rd and I-70. Time estimated from radar.
10:07 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	2 S Choctaw Lake	Madison, OH	Extensive damage to homes. Possible tornado. Time estimated from RADAR.
10:11 UTC	TSTM WND GST 69	2 Sse Choctaw Lake	Madison, OH	KUFY AWOS.
10:14 UTC	TORNADO	2 E London	Madison, OH	NWS storm survey confirms an EF1 tornado developed east of London and dissipated southwest of West Jefferson. Maximum estimated winds of 110 mph, with damage to roofs, barns, and trees.
10:20 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	2 S Hilliard	Franklin, OH	Possible tornado. Trees and wires reported down, damage to homes on Hilliard-Rome Rd. Time estimated from radar.
10:20 UTC	TORNADO	3 Ssw Jefferson	Madison, OH	Extensive damage to homes. Tornado likely - TDS observed on KILN RADAR. Time estimated from RADAR.
10:26 UTC	TORNADO	2 Ssw Hilliard	Franklin, OH	NWS storm survey confirms an EF1 tornado developed west of Hilliard and dissipated on the west side I-270. Maximum estimated winds of 110 mph, with damage to roofs and trees.
10:28 UTC	TORNADO 0	4 Nw Harrisburg	Franklin, OH	EF0 tornado confirmed west of Darbydale in Franklin County, Ohio. Maximum winds of 70 MPH.
10:29 UTC	TORNADO 0	2 Wsw Harrisburg	Pickaway, OH	EF0 tornado confirmed near Harrisburg in Pickaway County, Ohio. Maximum winds of 70 MPH.
10:31 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	3 Wsw Upper Arlington	Franklin, OH	Possible tornado. Pine tree snapped at its base.
10:31 UTC	HAIL 1.5	1 Nne Grove City	Franklin, OH
10:31 UTC	HAIL 1.5	1 Wnw Grove City	Franklin, OH
10:34 UTC	TSTM WND GST 53	3 W Riverlea	Franklin, OH	KOSU ASOS.
10:39 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	2 Ene Commercial Point	Pickaway, OH	Power poles downed on State Route 104.
10:40 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	2 Sw Lockbourne	Pickaway, OH	Semi trailer flipped over on US-23 near Picway Road.
10:42 UTC	HAIL 1	1 Nne Gahanna	Franklin, OH
10:44 UTC	TSTM WND GST 46	2 Nne Washington Court	Fayette, OH
10:46 UTC	TSTM WND GST 53	2 Nne Whitehall	Franklin, OH
10:48 UTC	TSTM WND GST 58	2 Ene Lockbourne	Franklin, OH
10:48 UTC	TORNADO 0	2 Sse Groveport	Franklin, OH	EF0 tornado confirmed near Groveport in Franklin County, Ohio. Maximum winds of 75 MPH.
10:49 UTC	TORNADO	3 E Gahanna	Franklin, OH	NWS storm survey confirms an EF2 tornado developed near Havens Corners in Franklin County and dissipated southwest of Granville in Licking County. Estimated winds of 120 mph, with damage to roofs, barns, and trees.
10:51 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	3 Nnw Summit Station	Franklin, OH	Damage to a home reported. Possible tornado. Time estimated from radar.
10:51 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	3 Wnw Summit Station	Franklin, OH	Numerous live red oak trees snapped from 8-30 feet above ground. Possible tornado. Time estimated from RADAR.
10:57 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	3 W Baltimore	Fairfield, OH	Damage to trees and barns along Basil Western Road and Reynoldsburg Baltimore Road. Winds estimated to 70 MPH.
10:57 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	4 Wnw Baltimore	Fairfield, OH	Barn roof damage reported. Time estimated from radar.
10:59 UTC	TSTM WND GST 49	4 Se Carroll	Fairfield, OH	KLHQ ASOS.
11:06 UTC	TSTM WND DMG	1 Se Granville	Licking, OH	Numerous trees were uprooted and several buildings were damaged at Lake Hudson near Granville. It was determined this damage was likely caused by intense straight-line winds around 70 mph. This determination was based on

From the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service local storm reports.

This ground now

The live radar over the track Every 2024 tornado in Ohio Every tornado in Ohio since 1950 Warnings in force in Ohio now The forecast where you are

The other tornadoes of February 28, 2024

10 more were confirmed in the United States that day.

Date	Time	Rating	Where	Path (mi)	Width (yd)	Injuries	Damage
February 28	1:12 AM EST	EF2	Genesee, MI	5.7	450		$1.0 million
February 28	4:37 AM EST	EF1	Montgomery, OH	2.4	200		$510,000
February 28	4:52 AM EST	EF2	Clark, OH	21.1	500	3	$2.0 million
February 28	5:26 AM EST	EF1	Franklin, OH	3.8	200		$100,000
February 28	5:28 AM EST	EF0	Franklin, OH	0.5	60		$25,000
February 28	5:29 AM EST	EF0	Pickaway, OH	2.2	80		$250,000
February 28	5:48 AM EST	EF0	Franklin, OH	5.7	75		$60,000
February 28	5:49 AM EST	EF2	Franklin, OH	14.0	300		$500,000
February 28	7:22 AM EST	EF2	Monroe, OH	4.0	200		$500,000
February 28	5:19 PM EST	EF0	Broome, NY	0.6	150		$30,000

What this means

Ratings are the survey's, read off the damage rather than measured; the rating scale is above. Tornado counts rise through the record as reporting improved, so a year in the 1950s is not comparable with one today except for the strongest tornadoes, which were always noticed.

Sources

NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database, 1950-2025, the official record kept by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.