A tornado warning remains in effect for parts of southwest Ohio after a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moved toward Bethel in Clermont County on Tuesday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, at 3:03 PM, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Bethel and was moving southeast at 35 mph. Radar indicated rotation, prompting the warning to be extended into southeastern Clermont County and southwestern Brown County.
Minutes earlier, radar confirmed a tornado south of Amelia, with debris detected in the air. An earlier tornado warning covering much of Clermont County remained in effect.
Forecasters warned that a tornado warning means a tornado has either been sighted or indicated by weather radar, posing an imminent danger to life and property. Residents in the affected areas were urged to take shelter immediately.
Communities impacted by the warning include Georgetown, Bethel, Felicity, Hamersville, Higginsport, Point Isabel, Feesburg, and Saltair.
The National Weather Service cautioned that flying debris could be dangerous for anyone caught outdoors. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed, while roofs, windows and vehicles may also sustain damage. Tree damage is considered likely.
Meanwhile, another tornado warning remained in effect until 4:15 PM EDT for southeastern Grant County, east-central Owen County and southwestern Pendleton County in Kentucky.
At 3:37 PM, the National Weather Service said a confirmed tornado was located about 5 miles northeast of Owenton and was moving southeast at 35 mph. Radar confirmed the tornado, with debris visible in the air.
The warning includes Williamstown, Dry Ridge, Morgan, Corinth, Goforth, Stewartsville, Cherry Grove, Williamstown Lake, Keefer, Marcus, Camp Northward, Lawrenceville and Cordova, as well as a stretch of Interstate 75 between mile markers 144 and 159.
Officials urged residents to take cover immediately by moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, staying away from windows, and seeking substantial shelter if outdoors or in a vehicle.