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April 10, 2025 – Columbus, Ohio – A powerful line of severe thunderstorms tore through central Ohio Wednesday afternoon, flipping a vehicle on a major roadway and triggering flash flooding that left at least one person dead. The Ohio Department of Transportation released dramatic footage showing a compact car being lifted and turned over by intense winds near the I-70/I-71 interchange. No injuries were reported from that incident, but emergency crews responded to multiple water rescues across the Columbus metro area.
The storm system, which moved in from the west around 3 p.m., packed wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and dumped more than 3 inches of rain in less than two hours, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The rapid downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streets into rivers and stranding dozens of vehicles. The hardest-hit areas included the Short North, Franklinton, and parts of Grove City, where water levels reached the hoods of cars.
“The intensity of this storm caught a lot of people off guard,” said Columbus Fire Chief Anthony Caruso during a press conference Wednesday evening. “We’re urging everyone to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Turn around, don’t drown.”
The confirmed fatality occurred in a residential area near the Olentangy River, where a driver was swept away after attempting to cross a flooded low-water crossing. The victim’s identity has not been released pending notification of family. This marks the first storm-related death in Ohio for 2025.
In response to the escalating situation, Governor Mike DeWine activated the Ohio National Guard early Wednesday evening, ordering 200 soldiers to assist with traffic control, sandbag operations, and potential evacuation support. “We are not out of the woods yet,” DeWine said in a statement. “Additional rounds of severe storms are expected overnight and into Thursday. I am asking all Ohioans to remain vigilant, charge your devices, and have a plan.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of central Ohio through Friday morning, with a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms on Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center warns that the same atmospheric setup that produced Wednesday’s storms could fire again, bringing large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
Local officials are also monitoring the Scioto River, which is expected to crest near flood stage by Friday. The city of Columbus has opened two emergency shelters: one at the Linden Community Center and another at the Barnett Recreation Center. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to move to higher ground.
Power outages have affected more than 15,000 homes and businesses in Franklin County, according to AEP Ohio. Crews are working to restore electricity, but some areas may remain without power through the weekend due to downed trees and lines.
Meteorologist Jenna Richardson from Ohio State University’s Weather Research Center noted that this storm system is being fueled by an unusually strong jet stream and abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. “We’re seeing a pattern more typical of late spring than early April,” she explained. “This is a reminder that severe weather season can ramp up quickly, and we need to take every warning seriously.”
Road closures remain in effect on portions of I-70 eastbound near the Alum Creek bridge, and multiple state routes in Delaware and Union counties are impassable. The Ohio Department of Transportation advises drivers to check OHGO.com for real-time updates before heading out.
As cleanup begins, officials are bracing for another round of heavy rain expected Thursday afternoon. The combination of already saturated ground and additional precipitation could lead to renewed flooding, especially along smaller creeks and streams. Emergency management agencies are urging residents to sign up for local alert systems and to have multiple ways to receive warnings.
“We’ve been through this before, but we can’t afford to let our guard down,” said Franklin County Emergency Management Director Jeff Young. “The next 48 hours will be critical. Please stay informed and stay safe.”
The National Weather Service will continue to provide updates via its website and social media channels. Residents can also download the FEMA app for real-time alerts.
