National Weather ServiceOhioTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Ohio
The National Weather Service issued 6 tornado watches for Ohio in 2025 and 9 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 20th most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 14% above the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Hamilton was covered most often (72 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Ohio get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Ohio. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2011 | 18 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2008 | 17 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Ohio get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Ohio?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | 72 | 18 | June 18, 2026 |
| Clermont | 69 | 17 | June 18, 2026 |
| Butler | 68 | 17 | June 18, 2026 |
| Brown | 67 | 16 | June 18, 2026 |
| Montgomery | 66 | 17 | June 18, 2026 |
| Preble | 65 | 18 | June 18, 2026 |
| Highland | 64 | 15 | June 18, 2026 |
| Warren | 64 | 17 | June 18, 2026 |
| Clinton | 62 | 14 | June 18, 2026 |
| Pike | 62 | 16 | June 18, 2026 |
| Adams | 61 | 16 | June 18, 2026 |
| Greene | 61 | 15 | June 18, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a tornado watch?
Tornado watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when thunderstorms able to produce tornadoes are possible over a large area, usually for several hours; local offices list the counties it covers. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Ohio.