Ohio
Severe thunderstorm watch issued for central Ohio
A number of central Ohio counties are under a severe thunderstorm watch issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday afternoon.
Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties, along with 23 other Ohio counties, are in the watch area. It is set to expire at 8 p.m.
The storms are expected to start this afternoon and return overnight. The main threat is damaging winds, but large hail, tornadoes and flash flooding caused by rain are possible, according to a hazardous weather outlook issued by NWS Wilmington.
The chance of precipitation during the day is 80% and rises to 90% overnight. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected during the day, but rainfall between a quarter and a half of an inch is possible overnight, according to NWS Wilmington’s forecast.
The chance for a thunderstorm continues into Memorial Day on Monday.
Columbus forecast for the week of May 26
There is to be a stormy start to the week before clearing up.
- Memorial Day: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, primarily before 1 p.m. Otherwise, it’s to be partly sunny with a high near 78. Winds could gust up to 25 miles per hour. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are possible, except it could be higher if it storms.
- Monday night: Partly cloudy with a low around 60.
- Tuesday: There is a chance of showers after 2 p.m. Though, it is to be sunny with a high near 75. The chance of precipitation is 40% and less than a tenth of an inch of rainfall is expected.
- Tuesday night: There’s a chance of showers before 8 p.m. It’s to be partly cloudy with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%, and less than a tenth of an inch is expected.
- Wednesday: There’s a chance of showers. Otherwise, it’s to be mostly sunny with a high near 71. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Wednesday night: Mostly clear with a low around 49.
- Thursday: Sunny with a high near 72.
- Thursday night: It’s to be clear with a low around 48.
- Friday: Sunny with a high near 76.
- Friday night It’s to be mostly clear with a low around 52.
- Saturday: It’s to be mostly sunny with a high near 81.
NHart@dispatch.com
@NathanRHart
Ohio
Car flipped, police investigating scene in Boardman
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — A heavy police presence could be seen near Meadowbrook Avenue and Market Street in Boardman after one vehicle flipped on its roof Saturday evening
It happened a little before 7:30 p.m. on Market Street, right at the Meadowbrook Avenue intersection.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, multiple people involved have been taken into custody.
Large police presences were also at the corner of Southern Boulevard and Meadowbrook Avenue, and at the intersection of Indianola Avenue and Market Street.
Our crew is on the scene, but right now we’re unsure if there are any injuries or how the crash happened.
The intersection is currently blocked off while crews work.
The crash is under investigation.
No other information has been given at this time.
Dominic O’Brien contributed to this report.
Ohio
Ohio’s first mountain coaster coming to Hocking Hills
HOCKING HILLS, Ohio (WJW) — Visitors to Hocking Hills will soon have an opportunity to experience the beauty of southeastern Ohio in a whole new way.
Jake Ryan is one of the visionaries behind the Hocking Hills Mountain Coaster, a brand new attraction set to open next year.
According to Ryan, the coaster will feature 3,640 feet of track that will bob and weave through the trees at speeds up to 26 miles per hour, allowing riders to view Hocking Hills through a completely different lens.
Crews will break ground on the project August 1.
“We are so proud to bring this to the Hocking Hills community. This isn’t just for the tourists who visit this incredible area, it’s for the local community too, and we truly believe it’s going to be a blessing for everyone in the region,” Ryan wrote on social media, announcing the project and sharing a video rendering of what’s to come.
Ryan, who also manages more than two dozen cabins in the Hocking Hills area, told Fox 8 News visitors to the scenic region often share feedback about their stay, and one thing they always seem to ask for is more attractions.
Though rich with hiking trails, waterfalls, caves to explore and more, Ryan said he is filling a gap in the area with the creation of the Hocking Hills Mountain Coaster.
“It is definitely a need for the area based on feedback we get directly from guests we’re hosting,” Ryan said.
After looking across the country for different ideas and inspiration, Ryan said an alpine coaster – popular in areas like Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains – made the most sense in terms of giving visitors a unique, fun adventure they wouldn’t get anywhere else in the state.
“There’s nothing like it in Ohio,” Ryan told Fox 8. “It is a completely different experience.”

The project should be complete by late winter 2026 or early spring 2027.
Along with the coaster, Ryan said a 5,000 square foot commercial building will also be constructed to house a gift shop, merchandise and activities for the whole family.
Ohio
Has there been an explosion of chipmunks this year? Yes. Here’s why
CANTON ‒ If you have been seeing more chipmunks near your yards and gardens this year, you aren’t alone.
And it was expected, says the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
“2025 was an exceptionally hard mast year for trees in Ohio which means a surplus in food for small rodents like chipmunks,” said Monika Bowman, wildlife communications specialist for the state agency. “More food leads to more chipmunks in a cyclical nature that we expect to see.”
A mast year is when trees and other plants, such as oak drop more acorns and other seeds, which are a main source of food for chipmunks.
Chipmunks also reproduce twice a year.
“Unlike some other small rodents, chipmunks have two mating seasons,” Bowman said. “We’re coming up on the second one at the beginning of summer, so more chipmunks would be in gardens to prepare.”
Chipmunks can damage homes and gardens. They love to burrow in mulch and under logs, said Curtis Daye of Canton-based Day & Night Pest Control.
“The best thing to do to prevent animals like chipmunks from getting into your yard is to get it treated early with granular deterrents,” Daye said. “It’s safer for the yard and the chipmunks, too.”
These deterrents include plant-based remedies like peppermint and capsaicin, which can also be used to prevent chipmunks in your yard if getting it treated isn’t an option.
Chipmunks love birdseed
One food that really attracts chipmunks is birdseed.
“They really love birdseed. Chipmunks see it and say, ‘Thanks for the buffet,’” Bowman said.
Interestingly though, birds don’t need birdseed to feed on during the summer months as they can consume insects and native plants, “but if you are going to use it, add in a spicy mix to prevent chipmunks from eating it, too,” Bowman recommended.
ODNR also suggested using birdhouses on metal posts that chipmunks can’t climb.
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