EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Columbus During Tuesday's Derecho
EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Columbus During Tuesday's Derecho
US · Published Aug 13, 2026
The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado struck the south side of Columbus, Ohio, during a derecho on Tuesday.
Preliminary findings indicate that the tornado caused significant damage, including the destruction of the roof at the Barack Community Center and structural damage to homes and businesses.

Impact & Risks

The EF-1 tornado and associated derecho caused significant damage to infrastructure and vegetation in Columbus, particularly in the south side. Roofs were torn off buildings, trees were uprooted, and power lines were downed, leaving many residents without power. A camper was crushed by a fallen tree, and a homeless individual reported losing her tent to the strong winds. Straight-line winds in Upper Arlington also caused extensive damage, though no tornado was detected there. The storms affected multiple Ohio communities, highlighting the widespread nature of the event. Risks include continued power outages, debris hazards, and potential flooding in affected areas.

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