Why storms keep slamming Central Ohio
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National Weather Service offices across the U.S. have issued a record number of flash flood warnings in 2025 and severe storms keep rolling through Central Ohio.
Why it matters: Recent tragedies in Texas, the Northeast and New Mexico show how intense storms can quickly turn dangerous and deadly.
- Scientists who spoke to Axios say the events underscore the risk that climate change can worsen extreme rainstorms.
The big picture: Flash flood warnings are issued when a flood is imminent or already occurring.
- NWS offices issued 3,160 nationwide this year through last Wednesday, according to a tracker at Iowa State University's Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
- That's the most for that period in any year since tracking began in 1986.
The latest: The Wilmington, Ohio, office that covers Central Ohio has issued 36 warnings this year, with 11 so far in July.
Zoom in: On Thursday, some Buckeye Lake neighborhoods flooded. Two weekends ago, intense storms knocked out power for thousands of local residents, flooding parts of northern Franklin and Delaware counties.
- 👀 This video from a Columbus Zoo visitor shows how quickly the area got drenched.
Between the lines: Warmer air holds more water. As our planet gets hotter, that's why storms are getting more intense and dropping more rain.
- Topography, geology and drought may also exacerbate flooding.
- For every 1 degree of warming, the air can hold an extra 4% of moisture, per Climate Central, a nonprofit climate research group.
What's next: After another rainy weekend, it looks like Columbus finally has a few days of sun ahead.
Go deeper: Why flash floods like those in Texas and New York are becoming more common