Moderate Risk Ohio  ·  Tornado / Severe Storm

Franklin County OH

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
1,323,807
Area
543
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Severe Storm
FEMA Disasters
28
federally declared

Franklin County and Columbus sit in a moderate tornado corridor in central Ohio. The Scioto and Olentangy Rivers create flooding risk across the metro area. Columbus has experienced several significant tornado events in recent decades. As Ohio's most populous county and state capital it maintains robust emergency management infrastructure.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
  • Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
  • Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
  • Prepare for sudden power outages.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Severe Storm
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 28
Last Major Event Tornado (June 2022)
Event Frequency Major event every 6–8 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (614) 462-9760
Emergency Shelters 38 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-70 East, I-71 North, I-270, US-33 Northwest

// County Profile

County Franklin County OH
State Ohio (OH)
Population 1,323,807
Area 543 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

Westerville OH Reynoldsburg OH Upper Arlington OH Gahanna OH Hilliard OH Dublin OH Grove City OH Columbus OH

// Cities in This County

// Other Ohio Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🏥
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center OH
Major Hospital  ·  Columbus, OH  ·  Ohio State University  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Ohio State University Columbus OH
Chemical Facility  ·  Columbus, OH  ·  Ohio State University  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏟
Ohio Stadium Columbus OH
Stadium / Arena  ·  Columbus, OH  ·  Ohio State Buckeyes / NCAA  ·  2-mi risk zone
7/10 High
💧
Columbus Ohio Water System OH
Water Treatment  ·  Columbus, OH  ·  Columbus Division of Water  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.