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NWS: 4 EF1 tornadoes touched down in 5 Ohio counties Monday night

The first touched down in Pike County just after 7 p.m.
Credit: WBNS-10TV

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado in Pike County Monday night.

According to preliminary reporters, the EF1 tornado touched down at 7:08 p.m. in Kincaid Spring.

The tornado had an estimated maximum wind speed of 90 mph and traveled just under two miles.

"Based on aerial imagery provided by the Aviation Section of the  Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Emergency Management  Agency, wind damage seen south of the Latham Area along Dry Bone Road, State Route 124, and Grassy Fork Road was likely caused by a brief tornado," the National Weather Service said.

The National Weather Service did not report any injuries.

This tornado happened hours before multiple tornadoes were reported in Morrow, Knox, Richland and Ashland County.

Those three EF1 tornadoes happened within a 16-minute span after 11 p.m.

The first tornado hit Morrow County around 11:17 p.m. with a maximum wind speed of 97 mph.

The tornado started in Mount Gilead, traveled 3.1 miles and ended in Chesterville. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped.

NWS says multiple farm buildings sustained damage and farm equipment was displaced including a trailer that was tossed 30 yards.

The second touched down in Morrow and Knox counties around 11:22 p.m. with 105 mph wind speeds.

This tornado started in Morrow County in Chesterville and traveled 7.1 miles into Knox County around Fredericktown.

NWS says more trees were uprooted, including a couple that landed on buildings.

The last hit at 11:33 p.m. in Richland County and ended nearly six miles into Ashland County with a maximum wind speed of 105 mph.

No injuries were reported in any of these tornadoes.

DOPPLER 10 SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY GUIDE

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WATCHES & WARNINGS

Watch
A Watch indicates the possibility of severe weather in a relatively broad area. For instance, a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Go about your normal routines, but watch for threatening weather.

Warning
A Warning is issued when severe weather is actually occurring. For instance, a tornado warning means a tornado has actually been sighted or has been indicated by radar. The warning usually encompasses a relatively small geographic area. If a warning is issued for the area in which you live, take cover immediately!

TORNADOES AREN'T THE ONLY REASON TO STAY ALERT 

Strong Winds
Strong winds of 55 mph or more can cause significant damage even though no tornado is present. "Downbursts" are columns of air that slam to the earth and spread high winds in many directions. Downbursts can be just as damaging as tornadoes; if such conditions are present, take the same precautions as you would for a tornado.

Lightning
Lightning claims more lives every year than tornadoes. When lightning is a threat, stay indoors and don't use electrical appliances. If you're caught outside, keep a safe distance from tall objects, and try to stay lower than anything nearby. A safe distance from a tree is twice its height.

TAKING COVER 

Storms producing tornadoes in Ohio often approach from the southwest. They can travel at speeds up to 70 miles per hour and contain winds estimated at over 200 miles per hour.

Sometimes an approaching tornado will sound like the roar of a train or airplane. If you see or hear a tornado, take cover immediately. Seek shelter inside, preferably below ground level. Do not waste time opening windows; tornado-force winds will "open" the windows well before the pressure difference can cause any structural damage. Above all, protect your head and lie flat.

At Home
Get away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the basement. If you have no basement, go to a first floor bathroom, closet or room at the center of the house. If possible, get under heavy furniture and cover your head with blankets or pillows.

At School
Go to the lowest floor or basement. Go to small interior rooms or hallways. Stay away from windows and avoid auditoriums, gyms and other areas with wide, free-span roofs.

In Public Buildings
Go immediately to the designated shelter area or to an interior hallway or small room on the lowest level. Stay away from windows. Do not use elevators. Do not go to your car.

During tornado drills or actual tornado warnings, remember to DUCK

D – Go DOWN to the lowest level, stay away from windows
U – Get UNDER something (such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk)
C – COVER your head
K – KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed

Before You Leave, Check This Out