Tornado hits Ohio near Saint Paris, warnings for Columbus, Piqua

A tornado was reported on the ground near Saint Paris in Ohio on Saturday, August 15, with the National Weather Service issuing a Tornado Warning for Champaign, Miami, and Shelby counties until 8:30 pm ET. The storm was tracking toward Fletcher, Rosewood, West Liberty, and Urbana. Social media users posted photos and videos of the tornado on the ground, with reports of trees down on roads.

Tornado warnings were also sounded for Piqua, Troy, and Sidney, where sirens were heard, but Hindustan Times notes there was no official confirmation of a tornado touchdown in those areas. Separately, a warning was issued for parts of Franklin and Fairfield counties until 11:15 pm ET, sparking fears of a tornado in Columbus. A local news channel urged people to stay indoors, and residents shared images of damage and heavy rain.

Gahanna and Grove City were also on alert. A flash flood warning was in effect for Franklin and Licking counties until 2:30 am ET. The NWS warned of dangerous flying debris, damaged roofs, windows, and vehicles, urging residents to seek shelter immediately in a basement or lowest-floor interior room.