Ohio averages 20 tornadoes per year. The state's most famous event is the 1974 Xenia F5 that struck during the Super Outbreak. More recent events include the 2019 Dayton EF3 that struck the metro area. Ohio sits in a corridor prone to major tornado outbreaks.
The most iconic Ohio tornado. Struck Xenia during the Super Outbreak. 32 killed in Xenia alone. Wiped out much of the town. Full story →
15 tornadoes hit the Dayton metro area on Memorial Day. EF4 in Trotwood, EF3 in Vandalia. 1 killed, extensive damage across the region.
Struck northwestern Ohio. 7 killed. Nocturnal event that caught many families sleeping.
Struck Van Wert. Notable because it hit a movie theater during a screening - the manager sheltered patrons in the concession area minutes before impact. No casualties despite roof collapse.
Ohio sits in the Ohio Valley - a major tornado outbreak corridor.
Lake Erie and Lake Michigan can affect storm dynamics but generally allow tornado formation across northern Ohio.
Spring cold fronts routinely traverse Ohio during severe weather season.
Ohio has been in the path of the largest US tornado outbreaks including 1974 Super Outbreak and Palm Sunday 1965.
Cleveland, Toledo. Lake Erie effect. Tornado risk moderate.
Columbus, Marion. Higher tornado density. Historical outbreak corridor.
Cincinnati, Dayton, Xenia. Ohio Valley corridor. Highest tornado risk in state.
Youngstown, Steubenville. Appalachian foothills. Fewer tornadoes but severe when they occur.
Ohio has strong tornado preparedness: