COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As is customary during Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio, a statewide tornado drill is took place at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday.

Warning sirens were activated in Franklin County for three minutes, which is longer than the usual tone heard during the weekly Wednesday tests at noon. The county emergency management agency reported that all 196 sirens sounded.

The tone is the same “tornado warning” tone used when an actual tornado warning is issued and offers residents, schools, and businesses an opportunity to practice their emergency response procedures.

In an average year, Ohio experiences approximately 22 tornadoes. In 2024, however, tornado sirens became all too familiar in central Ohio, in which dozens of tornadoes touched down, beginning in late February and March, setting early-season records for storm outbreaks.

In the wake of destruction throughout the state, Ohio saw 74 tornadoes touch down, far exceeding the record of 62 set in 1992.

“Last year, Franklin County witnessed firsthand the devastation tornadoes can cause, with four early morning tornadoes striking in late February,” said Jeffrey J. Young, director of Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Being prepared is essential to overcoming any emergency. The annual Statewide Tornado Drill offers us the opportunity to practice and strengthen our emergency plans, ensuring we’re ready to respond at any time.”

The record was officially broken on June 29 last year after a tumultuous six months of severe weather. February and March were particularly violent, beginning on Feb. 28 with an onslaught of storms that ripped through Franklin, Licking, Madison, Clark and Montgomery counties.

In March three people were killed during storms, including an EF-3 tornado that ripped through the Indian Lake region. Other tornadoes associated with the storm were seen in Licking, Richland, Crawford, Hancock and Delaware counties.

Delaware County’s twister damaged parts of the Olentangy Berlin athletic facility, in particular the baseball field, which lost its scoreboard. It also caused extensive damage to nearby homes and businesses along Berlin Station Road.

In May, 23 tornadoes were confirmed in a historic run of severe weather.

Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security advise all central Ohio residents to prepare for all types of severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding. It recommends following these essential safety procedures:

• Know the Risk – Learn and understand the different types of weather hazards facing Franklin County.  The top hazards can be found on the agency website at www.fcemhs.org.
• Know the Weather Terms – Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado in and close to the area. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been detected by radar or sighted by storm spotters.
• Have a Plan – Develop and practice an emergency plan with your family and include your pets. Know how you will communicate and have a designated safe meeting place. 
• Build a Kit – Build an emergency supply kit.  Be sure to include enough food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity for each member of your household including your pets to last for at least 72 hours.  

Nexstar, the parent company of this news station, is partnering with the Red Cross to support victims of recent severe storms across the country. You can join the campaign to support storm victims by donating today.

For your most accurate forecast from Storm Team 4, click here. Stick with NBC4 and Storm Team 4 on-air and online in the event of severe weather warnings.