COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — 2024 is proving to be an unusual year for tornadoes in the state of Ohio.
More than 30 twisters have been recorded in the state through April 18, far more than in a normal year. That puts 2024 in the Top 10 for tornado years in Ohio and on its way to possibly be a record-setting 12 months.
This year’s storms have come in large batches.
Ten of them happened on Feb. 27 and 28. February tornadoes are unusual to start with, let alone a full outbreak. Seven touched down on March 14, including the devastating EF3 that ravaged the Indian Lake area. Another nine hit on April 2 with five following on April 17.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
Despite an El Nino pattern this season, the large-scale storm tracks are not all that unusual. Even so, the jet stream has shown some occasional strong undulations and, in several cases, has coincidentally aligned with passing cold fronts to create strong lift and shear (turning with height in the atmosphere).
That combination has created some explosive storms with enough energy and rotation to generate tornadoes (as well as large hail and damaging straight-line winds).
PREVIOUS RECORDS
On average Ohio endured 13 to 17 tornadoes each year from 1950-2022. The number of twisters has already doubled that range and that is even before the usual severe weather season begins next month. Ohio’s peak tornado months tend to be May, June, and July, averaging three to four twisters per month. Historically, June is the most active month, with a total of 271 tornadoes over those 72 years.
The worst year and single outbreak in Ohio history was in 1992.
On July 12, at least 28 tornadoes raced across the state and contributed to a record 61 twisters for the year. Another seven tornadoes ravaged the state the next day, with three more on July 14.
Every county in Ohio has reported at least one tornado since 1950.
Van Wert County is Ohio’s most tornado-prone county, with 37 tornadoes recorded between 1950 and 2022.
Franklin County is second with 34, followed by Miami (32), Lorain and Clinton (31), and Clark and Huron Counties (30). Morgan County is the least tornadic of Ohio’s 88 counties, reporting only one touchdown between 1950 and 2022.
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