Ohio News

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Severe weather is expected to continue Tuesday in central Ohio, with strong storms and potential tornadoes in the forecast for evening.

Stay with NBC4 all day for updates, including the latest forecast from Storm Team 4, live traffic conditions and the latest on closings and delays. And download the NBC4 news and weather apps to be able to receive push alert notifications.

LIVE VIPIR RADAR Olentangy dismissing early

Olentangy Local Schools, the second largest district in central Ohio after Columbus, announced early dismissal. Students will be dismissed 90 minutes early, afternoon preschool classes are canceled, and afterschool activities were all canceled.

In addition, the Columbus Zoo will close at 2 p.m. and the Franklin County courthouse at 2:30 p.m., and Columbus State has canceled evening classes. For updates on closings and delays around central Ohio, visit the NBC4 closings page.

Franklinton floodwall closed

Floodgates are being installed along Greenlawn and Harmon avenues in Franklinton, west of Downtown. In a traffic alert, city officials advised motorists to avoid the area. Greenlawn Avenue is closed between Front Street and Harmon, and the Interstate 71 ramps to Greenlawn will be closed.

Franklinton floodwall in Columbus, Ohio, on April 2, 2024 (NBC4 Photo/Greg O'Leary)

Harmon Avenue will be closed between Hart and Frank roads.

Updated traffic conditions are available at this link.

Turn around, don't drown

FEMA issued a notice for its region that includes central Ohio. “Monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of dangerous weather,” regional administrator Tom Sivak said. “Identify your safe shelter locations and remain vigilant--especially for potential power outages and dangerous road conditions caused by possible downed power lines and flooding.”

It included these tips:

• Follow the direction of local and state officials and make sure to sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone.
• Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings and be ready to take shelter immediately, if necessary.
• Make sure all mobile devices are fully charged in advance of the storm. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs in case the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. 
• Have a communications plan in place. Ensure everyone in your household knows where to go, what to do and how to reconnect after a disaster.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
• After the storm and once you are safe, check on neighbors and friends to make sure they’re okay.

View a previous report from Twenty One Pilots' 2021 performances in Columbus in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Grammy award-winning musical duo Twenty One Pilots added a third hometown show in Columbus to their tour lineup. 

Twenty One Pilots plans to visit Nationwide Arena for three separate shows on its “The Clancy World Tour.” The tour is in support of duo Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun’s upcoming album “Clancy,” which will be released on May 17.

Family-owned pizzeria in Grove City permanently closes

On top of the band’s previously announced Friday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, Oct. 5, shows in Columbus, Twenty One Pilots will perform at Nationwide Arena for the third day in a row on Sunday, Oct. 6.  

Columbus is the only city on the tour to receive three shows. The band, known for its songs such as "Heathens" and "Stressed Out," will also perform in Cleveland on Sept. 28 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

Twenty One Pilots was formed in Columbus in 2009 and has since amassed over 33 billion streams and sold over 3 million tickets for performances. The group last performed in Columbus in 2021.

An official artist presale for tickets will launch on April 2 in the U.S., and all remaining tickets will go for general sale at 10 a.m. on April 5 on the band’s website.

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) - A family-owned and operated pizzeria that's been serving customers since 1963 has closed.

Zamarelli's Pizza Palace, at 4011 Front St. in Grove City, closed Saturday after 61 years. The pizza parlor offered customers a variety of options for decades from its pizza, subs and salads to other Italian dishes including spaghetti, gnocchi, eggplant parmesan and more.

Central Ohio restaurant openings and closings so far this year

The restaurant opened to customers in 1963 under Andy Zamarelli, according to the pizzeria's website. Tina and Jack Middendorf took over the shop and remained the owners since its recent closure.

The closure comes as many other restaurants and businesses across central Ohio have shut down since the start of 2024 including Grand Tavern in Grandview Heights, Fat Girl Bakery in Westerville, and El Segundo in the Short North.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus is investing tens of thousands of dollars to support an event that will connect underserved entrepreneurs, primarily Black and Brown women, to high-growth industry opportunities.

The Women's Center for Economic Opportunity provides women of color with access to the tools needed to start a business. The center says that it seeks to help clients create generational wealth and a legacy of economic opportunity, with the goal of advancing economic equity, inclusion, and justice.

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At a recent meeting, Columbus City Council approved a $50,000 grant for the center. It will go toward Advancing Innovation Momentum Bootcamps, which will connect people with support like business planning and network-building consultations.

Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla said the camps will help small business owners take another step.

"The boot camp really shows them, how do you take that business to the next level?" Barroso de Padilla said.

The camps will be the first of their kind held by the Women's Center for Economic Opportunity, according to Barroso de Padilla. However, she said the center has had other programming funded by the city and that the boot camps will be an expansion of what the center can do.

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"This is understanding that the center could be doing much more for women," Barroso de Padilla said. "And what are the other opportunities that they could provide for them, knowing that now they kind of have a brand and they have a following."

The center and its boot camps are aimed primarily at women of color.

"We already know there's a pay gap that exists for women and people of color," Barroso de Padilla said. "We put forward pay equity to begin to close and narrow that pay gap for folks in the city of Columbus. This is just another effort to understand that, again, for our small businesses that are women-owned, that are minority-owned, that they might have some challenges."

Challenges that Barroso de Padilla said teaching these communities to build wealth and break generations of poverty is an important step toward supporting the prosperity of women and families.

Abortion providers challenge Ohio’s 24-hour waiting requirement, other restrictions

"We know that big businesses will come in," Barroso de Padilla said. "But then how are we ensuring that our small businesses are really flourishing?"

The city recently launched Council Academy, which helps people understand how to navigate Columbus. Most recently, it gave info on how to become a vendor within the city.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A couple had to be rescued after severe weather arrived Tuesday morning in central Ohio, bringing heavy downpours and rising water levels in multiple areas.

Columbus police said that they were called to the Broad Street bridge for a water rescue underneath the bridge. Police and fire department officials added the rescued victims were a homeless couple who were sleeping under the bridge.

LIVE VIPIR RADAR

With the water quickly rising, law enforcement brought a boat to get the couple out from underneath the bridge.

VIDEO: @ColumbusPolice and @ColsFire performing a water rescue under the Broad St. Bridge. Police say a homeless couple was sleeping under the bridge when water levels quickly rose on them. @nbc4i pic.twitter.com/yj8uAGKS36

— Matthew Herchik (@MatthewHerchik) April 2, 2024

Columbus is under a Flood Watch until 8 p.m. as central Ohio is under a moderate risk for severe weather Wednesday afternoon and evening. This is a level 4-out-of-5 risk for severe storms, meaning we do expect to see them. All risks are on the table with this storm threat, including damaging winds, large hail, flooding, and the threat for strong and longer-track tornadoes.

That threat wanes after 11 PM, and we'll just see scattered activity overnight.

Click here to follow the latest Storm Team 4 forecast.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Arena District brewery has shut its doors after two years of service.

Kentucky-based Goodwood Brewing Co. had served beer, whiskey and Southern-inspired cuisine at 401 N. Front St. since its opening in February 2022. On Wednesday, the brewery officially closed.

Central Ohio restaurant openings and closings so far this year

The brewery shut down because of a dispute with the landlord of the building, according to a Goodwood representative, though they declined to comment further.

Before Goodwood came to town, the Front Street location had housed another brewery -- Gordon Biersch brewpub -- for years. In 2020, the Columbus spot became Goodwood's sixth location, but the first in Ohio. Now, the brewery's website only has five stores listed, including the now-closed Columbus brewery.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A revolving sushi bar and a cowboy-themed smokehouse home to a mechanical bull are among the new central Ohio restaurants that have opened this year, while a Cameron Mitchell eatery and a historic Dublin tavern closed.

Restaurant closings this year

1487 Brewery

• The brewery at 620 Industrial Parkway in Plain City permanently closed on Feb. 4 after its former chief operating officer pleaded guilty to stealing more than $200,000 from the company. Owner Ben King, who opened the location in 2020 after Kickstarting the business in 2015, said “due to unforeseen circumstances, our timing was awful.”

Fat Girl Bakery

• The bakery at 6457 N. Hamilton Road, between New Albany and Westerville, closed on March 30, Fat Girl Bakery’s owner announced on social media. The closure comes after the bakeshop relocated its Lewis Center storefront in May 2023.

El Segundo

• The Cameron Mitchell restaurant at 698 N. High St. in the Short North announced on social media it would close on March 3. The restaurant offered dishes inspired by Mexican street food, using fresh and local ingredients.

The remodeled exterior of Marshall's with Grand Tavern's new design. (Courtesy Photo/Andrea Spence)

Grand Tavern

• The Grandview Heights bar at 1111 W. 1st. Ave. shut down after just a few months of operating, citing bad business dealings with the landlord and nightmarish renovation costs.

Mackenzie River

• The grill and pub at 1515 Polaris Parkway closed several weeks ago after eight years in business. The restaurant launched in 2016 after Montana-based Glacier Restaurant Group purchased all Max and Erma’s locations and transformed several into Mackenzie River eateries.

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Matt the Miller's

• The tavern’s Polaris Fashion Place location at 1436 Gemini Place welcomed patrons for the last time on Valentine’s Day after owner CLB Restaurants opted not to renew the tavern’s lease. Now, the concept is down to one central Ohio location at 6725 Avery-Muirfield Dr. in Dublin.

Mr. T's Pizza

• The family-owned pizza shop at 207 W. Johnstown Road closed on Feb. 3. According to a statement on the pizzeria’s Facebook page, the pizza shop closed to allow owner Jeffrey Armstrong and family members to retire.

The restaurant and bar at 84 N. High St. in Dublin's historic neighborhood permanently shuttered on Jan. 27. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)

Oscar's

• The restaurant and bar at 84 N. High St. in Dublin’s historic neighborhood permanently shuttered on Jan. 27, according to the eatery’s auction listing, which described the closure as “sudden.” Lasting several hours, the auction was held the following Monday to sell “everything by piece til done,” the listing states.

Red Rabbit Ramen

• Red Rabbit Ramen announced social media that it would be closing up shop, with its last week of operations taking place during the week of March 4. The owners said that they are closing the ramen cart due to a change in their family situation.

Weenie Wonder

• The fast casual eatery serving hot dogs and milkshakes permanently closed its Dublin and Easton locations on Feb. 6. The first restaurant opened at Bridge Park in 2022 and a second location followed at Easton in 2023. Both locations were adjacent to Pins Mechanical Co. 

Restaurant openings this year

Bob's Backyard Barbeque

• The Lancaster-based barbecue restaurant has opened a second location at 80 W. Church St. on Feb. 8. The Pickerington restaurant marks Bob’s Backyard Barbeque’s second eatery, with the first opening in 2017 at 157 W. Main St. in Lancaster.

DiBella's Subs

• The chain began welcoming guests to its new location at 7105 N. High St. at Worthington Gateway on March 6. The new location marks DiBella’s third Columbus-area location with other eateries on Olentangy River Road and in Dublin near the Mall at Tuttle Crossing, with another restaurant in New Albany on the way.

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Dirty Frank's

• The hot dog joint is now welcoming guests at its new carryout and delivery-only location at 6665 Huntley Road in Worthington. The new restaurant’s menu features classic hot dog combinations and a selection of “Top Dogs” like the Puff the Magic Popper dog with jalapenos, cheddar cream cheese and bacon bits.

Dough Boyz Pizza

• The Galloway-based pizzeria opened at 207 W. Johnstown Road in February, taking over the building that previously housed Mr. T’s Pizza.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar began welcoming guests to its new restaurant at 8833 Lyra Dr. in Polaris in January. (Courtesy Photo/Kura Sushi USA)

Korean BBQ 궁

• The authentic Korean barbeque restaurant is now open for lunch and dinner daily at North Market Bridge Park, on the east aisle in the stall between Hoyo’s Kitchen and On Paper.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar 

• The sushi bar serving dishes on a moving conveyor belt, with more than 500 locations across Japan, Taiwan and the United States, opened its first Ohio location at 8833 Lyra Dr. in Polaris.

Ohio’s The Black Keys to perform in Columbus this fall

Lion Cub's Cookies

• The cookie shop marked its new location at 7105 N. High St. in Worthington with a grand opening party on March 8. The new shop marks the brand’s second after the first opened in 2021 at 1261 Grandview Ave. in Grandview Heights.

Maple Street Biscuit Co.

• Maple Street Biscuit Co. at 9711 Sawmill Parkway in Powell is now welcoming guests after opening on Feb. 26. The new eatery marks the brand’s third central Ohio location after the first opened near Polaris Fashion Place at 1310 Polaris Pkwy. in January last year and the second in Worthington at 7105 N. High St. last summer.

Maple Street Biscuit Co. at 9711 Sawmill Parkway in Powell is now welcoming guests. (Courtesy Photo/Maple Street Biscuit Co.)

Marlow Cheesesteaks

• Budd Dairy Food Hall at 1086 N. 4th St. has added Marlow's as a new, permanent partner. The sandwich shop is based out of Gahanna, serving traditional Philadelphia cheesesteaks and other favorites.

Mochi Ring

• The bakery known for Korean corn dogs battered in Cheetos and vibrant doughnuts made with Japanese mochi opened in March at 1144 Kenny Centre Mall in Tensuke Market.

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Pastimes Pub and Grill

• The bar opened its newest location in March at 775 Yard St. in Grandview Yard. The sports pub offers a variety of bar food including wings, appetizers, pizza, salads and more. Customers can also pick from a wide selection of beer on draft, bottles, cocktails and more.

PBR Cowboy Bar and Smokehouse

• The country-themed bar featuring a mechanical bull at 3950 Gramercy St. in Easton opened in February. The restaurant marks the concept’s first Ohio location and its 16th in the United States, with a majority of locations residing in the South.

The country-themed bar featuring a mechanical bull at 3950 Gramercy St. in Easton opened in February. (Photo Courtesy/Live Hospitality Entertainment)

PJ Hot Pot Korean BBQ and Bar

• The restaurant is now welcoming guests at 6100 Sawmill Road in Dublin, taking over a 10,000-square-foot unit previously home to a martial arts facility. The all-you-can-eat Asian grill is home to a “hot pot” dining experience that features ingredients delivered to each table by robots.

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit

• The fleet of barbeque eateries featured on the Food Network’s "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" has renovated and again moved one of its central Ohio trucks to a new location. One of the brand’s walk-up food trucks is now parked outside The Bottle Shop at 237 King Ave. in Victorian Village.

Victor's Taco Shop

• The fast-growing taco chain based in Delaware has opened its first taco shop in Columbus at 2110 Morse Road.

Wario's Beef and Pork

• The sandwich shop opened a location at 4219 N. High St. in January. The chef-driven, East Coast-inspired sandwich shop was founded by chef Stephan Madias.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A multi-award winning R&B group and a famous American rock band will be coming to the Ohio State Fair this summer.

Philadelphia-based vocal harmony group Boyz II Men and Stone Temple Pilots will be performing at the fair, which will take place from July 24 to Aug. 4. Boyz II Men's concert will be on July 27 at 7 p.m. with special guest comedian Preacher Lawson, who was a finalist on NBC's "America's Got Talent."

Will you be able to see the stars in central Ohio during the eclipse?

Stone Temple Pilots, which has been led by lead singer Jeff Gutt since the death of the original frontman Scott Weiland, will perform on July 26 at 7:30 p.m. They will be joined by fellow rock band Soul Asylum.

Tickets for both concerts will go on sale on Friday with prices varying for each show. Each concert ticket includes admission to the fair. Follow this link for ticket information.

• KIDZ BOP 2024
• Alabama
• MONTREAL, QUEBEC - AUGUST 18: Jade Eagleson performs at the Lasso Montreal festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau on August 18, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Mark Horton/Getty Images)
• SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Eric Kretz and Jeff Gutt pose alongside other members of Stone Temple Pilots at The Hard Rock Cafe in Darling Harbour during a media call for Under The Southern Stars 2022 on March 09, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
• TOLUCA, MEXICO - DECEMBER 02: Soul Asylum performing as part of day 1 of the Hell & Heaven Metal Fest 2022 at Foro Pegaso on December 2, 2022 in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo by Medios y Media/Getty Images)
• NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO - FEBRUARY 21: (L-R) Wanyá Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men perform on the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Resort on February 21, 2024 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. (Photo by Jeremychanphotography/Getty Images)
• LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 03: America's Got Talent Season 12 finalist and comedian Preacher Lawson performs during the America's Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE preview event at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on November 03, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
• La Zenda Norteña
• 
• In this image released on December 31, 2023, Gabriel Iglesias arrives at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images)
• Stephen Sanchez
• Ohio Players
• Midnight Star

All concerts will take place at the Celeste Center. The Expo Center said that one last set of concerts will be announced on Apr. 16. Each day of the fair is expected to have at least one concert at the Celeste Center.

Ohio State Fair concert schedule

• July 24, 6:30 p.m.: KIDZ BOP
• July 25, 7 p.m.: Alabama with Jade Eagleson
• July 26, 7:30 p.m.: Stone Temple Pilots with Soul Asylum
• July 27, 7 p.m.: Boyz II Men with Preacher Lawson
• July 28, 7:30 p.m.: La Zenda Norteña
• July 29, 7 p.m.: Lauren Daigle
• July 30: TBD
• July 31, 7 p.m.: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias
• Aug. 1, 7 p.m.: Stephen Sanchez
• Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.: Ohio Players and Midnight Star
• Aug. 3: TBD
• Aug. 4: TBD

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With daytime darkness falling over a band of the U.S. in less than a week, a government agency and local observatory both addressed speculation that stars and even the planets could become visible in the sky.

The total solar eclipse is set for April 8, and will last somewhere in the ballpark of four minutes, giving the illusion of night during the day. Depending on where viewers go in central Ohio, they could either be in the path of totality or in an area with at least 90% coverage from the eclipse.

Central Ohio forecast for the total solar eclipse: 1 week away

Don Stevens, director of the Perkins Observatory at Ohio Wesleyan University, confirmed that alongside the sun's solar corona visible during the eclipse, it is possible to see celestial bodies like planets and stars. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology agreed, writing in previous eclipse reports that it is possible.

Stevens also shared a personal experience from a past eclipse.

"The last eclipse, 2017, I was able to see a couple of planets and some stars," Stevens said. "It just has to be sufficiently dark enough to be able to see these objects. And during totality … it will get about as dark as mid to late twilight, and at those times on any clear night, you can go out and see stars and planets at that time."

The observatory director named the planets that could be visible during the eclipse.

"You'll be able to see the planets, but they'll look like bright stars, essentially," Stevens said. "Particularly, Venus will be the brightest object up there other than the solar corona. And then Jupiter will follow closely behind, and then they'll be Saturn and Mars, and Mercury up there. Probably the most challenging one to be able to see will be Mercury."

Map: Solar eclipse will cover these Ohio cities

When asked whether urban light pollution could affect the chances of seeing other celestial bodies in the path of totality, Stevens assured that wouldn't be a concern in central Ohio.

"Even in downtown Columbus, on a clear night, you can look up and see a few stars," Stevens said.

A wide band running from the northeast portion of the state to the western part will be in the path of totality, or where the sun will be 100% blocked by the moon. Everyone outside this coverage area will have a different view of the obstruction. Columbus' neighboring towns like Dublin and Hilliard, however, are within the projected path of totality.

Stevens added that the Perkins Observatory now has a team at Ohio Wesleyan's Hamilton-Williams Campus Center giving away eclipse glasses. They're limited to one pair free per visitor, and $1 for additional pairs. No appointment is required to obtain the glasses from the campus.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Strong thunderstorms, high 69
• Tonight: Sct'd storms, low 41
• Wednesday: Sct'd rain to wet mix, high 46
• Thursday: Spotty wintry mix, high 45
• Friday: Isolated showers, high 45
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 50

FLOOD WARNINGS:

The following central Ohio counties have issued flood warnings for Tuesday and into Wednesday.

• Coshocton County
• Guernsey County
• Muskingum County

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Good Tuesday morning,

We have got a very messy day ahead of us. Today is a day to remain weather aware, and to make sure you are checking Storm Team 4's latest forecast periodically throughout the day, as we have the potential for severe weather in two separate waves.

For the morning, expect continued heavy rains, and scattered thunderstorms. We have a lower-end severe threat this morning, mainly during the 7-11 AM timeframe. This threat will primarily be for strong winds and hail, with an isolated tornado threat.

Then, as an area of low pressure and cold front move into the region, we will be looking at a much more elevated risk for severe weather between about 3-11 PM this evening. The this is a level 4-out-of-5 risk for severe storms, meaning we do expect to see them. All risks are on the table with this storm threat, including damaging winds, large hail, flooding, and the threat for strong and longer track tornadoes.

That threat wanes after 11 PM, and we'll just see scattered activity overnight. For Wednesday, expect some dry time during the morning, with scattered rain showers during the afternoon, and highs dropping back to the middle 40s. We'll then see a transition to a wet wintry mix overnight and into Thursday.

Expect a scattered wintry mix Thursday, with highs sticking in the middle 40s, and breezy conditions.

We start to clear up Friday, with just isolated shower activity, but we're still cold, with highs remaining in the middle 40s.

We'll see more sunshine this weekend, with highs returning to the 50s.

-McKenna

LAKEVIEW, Ohio (WCMH) -- Strong storms with tornados are a risk in central Ohio Tuesday, but in Lakeview, people are still dealing with the cleanup from last month’s round of storms.

It has been almost three weeks since a deadly EF-3 tornado touched down in the village and for many, their homes are no longer standing. Now, with the threat of more severe weather on the way, Logan County Emergency Management is trying to prepare officials and the community.

Be ready for the storms with central Ohio's most accurate weather

Many in the Lakeview area are still focused on getting back to normal.

"It still gets to be pretty overwhelming,” Carla Morris, owner of CJ’s Lakeside Tavern, said Monday. “Like, every day when I drive into town, it's just you just shake your head. You just can't believe it.”

On March 14, Morris and others had to shelter in the bathroom at her bar. She said they saw the windows break in the wind and then they ran for shelter. 

The space just reopened on Friday.

"I had a couple of moments where it became very overwhelming and I was in tears, but it was tears of happiness," Morris said.

How to plan for a tornado warning if you live in a mobile home

The group that hid together is now able to celebrate making it through the storm together.

"Instead of seeing the destruction, got to see the positive outcome. It was really, really great," Morris said.

All over Lakeview, people continue coming together to help one another.

"It's definitely been an emotional roller coaster, good and bad,” business owner Brenda Moots said. “The community has come together in major ways and we've just shown each other hope and lots of love.”

While people are trying to rebuild, Logan County Emergency Management is getting officials ready for Tuesday.

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"We would encourage everyone and especially in the Lakeview area to think about where you can shelter that will be safe," Logan County Emergency Management Director Helen Norris said. 

For Lakeview, she stressed that people need to sign up for alerts or have an app that will notify them if there is a tornado.

"The village of Lakeview lost their siren in the tornado,” Norris said. “It was actually a direct hit on the building where the siren was.”

Norris says she is briefing first responders across the county making sure everyone is prepared.

"This is a higher risk than what we're used to seeing traditionally for our area, so hopefully it won't actually come to fruition, but the chances are higher now than what they normally are for us, so we're just doing our best to get the word out to everybody," Norris said. 

‘Hamilton,’ ‘The Book of Mormon’ among Broadway in Columbus 2024-25 lineup

She said it is important to have a plan, know where you can shelter, and sign up for alerts either through the Logan County Emergency system or elsewhere.

"We're just making sure that things are tarped down, buttoned up, doing the best we can and just pray through it that it doesn't get any worse," Moots said. 

The Storm Team 4 weather app will send alerts about severe weather including tornado warnings. In the case of any severe weather, NBC4 will keep you updated on-air and online.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – It could be the ultimate April Fool's Day for anyone looking to cash in on a Powerball jackpot worth $1 billion.

With no players matching the five numbers and the Powerball number in Saturday's drawing, Monday, April 1's Powerball jackpot was worth an estimated $1.026 billion-- a $50 million increase over Saturday's final estimated jackpot.

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No foolin' -- Monday's winning numbers are 19, 24, 40, 42, and 56; the Powerball is 23 and the Power Play multiplier is 2X.

Four tickets -- one each in Illinois, Louisana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania -- each won $1 million in Saturday's drawing by matching the five white ball numbers, but missing the Powerball. In total, Powerball said more than 2.3 million tickets won some cash prize in Saturday's drawing.

Monday’s estimated jackpot will be the fifth-highest in the game’s history if claimed and marks the 39th drawing since the game’s last winner – a $842.4 million jackpot won on Jan. 1. It is also the fourth jackpot in less than two years to reach $1 billion.

The top ten Powerball jackpots are:

1. $2.04 billion – Nov. 7, 2022
2. $1.765 billion – Oct. 11, 2023
3. $1.586 billion – Jan. 13, 2016
4. $1.08 billion – July 19, 2023
5. $1.026 billion (estimated) -- April 1, 2024
6. $842.4 million – January 1, 2024
7. $768.4 million – March 27, 2019
8. $758.7 million – Aug. 23, 2017
9. $754.6 million – Feb. 6, 2023
10. $731.1 million – Jan. 20, 2021

None of those top ten jackpots was won in Ohio.

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Winners have the option of being paid the full jackpot amount in annual payments over 30 years, or taking a lesser, one-time payment (Monday is worth an estimated $483.8 million). Lottery officials said most winners choose the one-time payment.

Players must match five balls numbered 1 to 69 plus a Powerball numbered between 1 through 26 to win the jackpot.

Powerball tickets are $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players can opt to play the Power Play multiplier for an extra $1, which will multiply the player’s winnings by the drawn multiplier (this applies to all prizes except the jackpot and the $1 million prize, which tops out at $2 million).

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million; the odds of winning any one of the nine different prizes available is 1 in 24.9. Odds are not affected by the number of tickets sold; instead, they are based on the chances of selecting the right combination of numbers. Prizes start at $4 for matching either the Powerball or the Powerball and one other number.

'Hamilton,' 'The Book of Mormon' among Broadway in Columbus 2024-25 lineup

Last Tuesday, one ticket sold in New Jersey matched the winning Mega Millions drawing for an estimated $1.128 billion jackpot (or the $536.6 million one-time payout), the fifth-largest jackpot in that game’s history.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- "Hamilton" and "The Book of Mormon" are returning to the Ohio Theatre as part of Broadway in Columbus' 2024-25 season lineup, which will also feature the central Ohio premiere of a jukebox musical based on the life of Neil Diamond.

The upcoming lineup spans nine productions, a seven-show package and two season options, Broadway in Columbus and CAPA announced Monday evening. Along with several returning favorites, this season includes five shows -- "MJ," "& Juliet," "Funny Girl," "A Beautiful Noise" and "Kimberly Akimbo" -- performing at the Ohio Theatre for the first time.

"We're excited to bring another great season of the best of Broadway to Columbus," said Chad Whittington, CAPA President and CEO. "Five Columbus premieres, an appealing cross-section of shows, the return of "Hamilton," we look forward to bringing this season to Columbus for our subscribers and all the Broadway fans."

View the entire 2024-25 season below.

2024-25 Season Shows

'MJ' | Ohio Theatre from Sept. 10 to 15

Michael Jackson's artistry comes to Columbus with "MJ," a jukebox musical that follows the making of Jackson's 1992 "Dangerous World" tour. MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.

Roman Banks as "MJ" and the cast of the "MJ" First National Tour. (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy)

'Peter Pan' | Ohio Theatre from Jan. 14 to 19, 2025

This high-flying musical has been captivating audiences for nearly 70 years, and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation. The production features the musical's classic songs like "I'm Flying," "I Gotta Crow" and "I Wont' Grow Up."

"It's always important to us to have a family-friendly show in the season, this year it's 'Peter Pan,'" said Lisa Minken, the Broadway in Columbus marketing manager. "We love creating that next generation of Broadway lovers. It's a musical a lot of grew up with and now we can take our kids, our nieces and nephews and give them that same magical experience."

The cast of "Peter Pan."(Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy)

'& Juliet' | Ohio Theatre from Feb. 18 to 23, 2025

Created by the Emmy-winning writer from "Schitt's Creek," this new musical asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Juliet's new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That’s The Way It Is," and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"

"More people will know the music to this show than what they realize, it's the songbook of Max Martin, who has written a ton of hits for Kelly Clarkson and Britney Spears," said Minken. "It's a really fun story because it tells the story of Juliet if she didn't fall for Romeo and if she didn't decide to end her life, what he life would look like then. It's so fun."

Lorna Courtney and the cast of "& Juliet." (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy)

'Funny Girl' | Ohio Theatre from March 25 to 30, 2025

The Broadway revival features iconic songs, including "Don’t Rain On My Parade," "I'm the
Greatest Star," and "People." This bittersweet comedy is the story of Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she'd never be a star, but then something funny happened -- she became one of the most beloved performers in history.

The first national touring company of "Funny Girl." (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy).

'A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical' | Ohio Theatre from April 22 to 27, 2025

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, "A Beautiful Noise" is the true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway.

"We also have the Neil Diamond musical, which is some of my parents', aunts' and uncles' favorite music," said Minken. "How can you go wrong with some of his songs? "Sweet Caroline," how could you not sing and do the chants with it?"

Nick Fradiani as Neil Diamond in "A Beautiful Noise." (Courtesy Photo/Julieta Cervantes)

'Kimberly Akimbo' | Ohio Theatre from June 3 to 8, 2025

'Kimberly Akimbo' is the winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. She's forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush and possible felony charges.

"For the Broadway purists we have the 2023 Tony Award winner 'Kimberly Akimbo,' which is just a beautiful piece of theatre," said Minken.

Nina White, Bonnie Milligan, Fernell Hogan, Michael Iskander, and Olivia Hardy in the Original Broadway Company of "Kimberly Akimbo." (Courtesy Photo/Joan Marcus)

'Hamilton' | Ohio Theatre from July 8 to 20, 2025

Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, 'Hamilton' has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

"We're so excited to have our third engagement of 'Hamilton' back in Columbus," said Minken. "It's a show that so many people know and love and we are so happy to have it back."

The cast of the "Hamilton" national tour. (Courtesy Photo/Joan Marcus) 2024-25 Season Options

'The Book of Mormon' | Ohio Theatre from Oct. 8 to 13

Called "the best musical of this century" by The New York Times, this musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the "good word." With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, "The Book of Mormon" has become an international sensation.

Sam Nackman and Sam McLellan in "The Book of Mormon" North American tour. (Courtesy Photo/Julieta-Cervantes)

'Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical' | Palace Theatre from Dec. 3 to 8

This musical is a record-setting holiday sensation which features songs like "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcomes Christmas" from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos.

James Schultz as The Grinch and W. Scott Stewart as Old Max in the touring company of 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. (Courtesy Photo/Jeremy Daniel) How to buy tickets

Past Broadway in Columbus season ticketholders are currently able to renew their subscription for the 2024-25 lineup. Subscriptions for new ticketholders will be available starting on May 28, with prices ranging. A waitlist and more information are available at BroadwayinColumbus.com.

Prices for the seven-show season -- "MJ," "Peter Pan," "& Juliet," "Funny Girl," "A Beautiful Noise," "Kimberly Akimbo" and "Hamilton" range between $332.25 to $1019.60 depending on seat location.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ryan Day has found his next running backs coach at Ohio State. The Buckeyes announced Monday that they've hired Oregon's Carlos Locklyn to be in charge of the backfield, replacing Tony Alford, who left for the same position at Michigan.

Locklyn, a Mongomery, Alabama-native, spent two seasons with the Ducks under the direction of Dan Lanning. Prior to working in Eugene, Oregon, Locklyn was the running backs coach at Western Kentucky and also worked as a staff member at Memphis and Florida State.

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At Ohio State, Locklyn will hit the ground running, managing a deep and talented room headlined by TreVeyon Henderson, who rushed for 926 yards and 11 touchdowns in ten games last season and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.

The Buckeyes have less than two weeks left in their spring practice schedule, culminating with the spring game at Ohio Stadium on April 13 at noon.

CANAL WINCHESTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two people are dead and two others injured in a vehicle collision Monday night.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, two people were pronounced dead on the scene of a crash on Gender Road and West Waterloo Street. The crash happened around 6:50 p.m.

Two others were injured in the accident; one victim was taken to Mount Carmel East Hospital and the other to Grant Medical Center. Authorities were unsure of the victims' conditions.

Gender Road is closed in both directions between Winchester Boulevard and the U.S. Route 33 overpass due to the crash.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation according to Ohio State Highway Patrol.

LICKING COUNTY, Ohio (WCMH) – A central Ohio woman who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to a scamming scheme hopes her experience will prevent others from going through something similar.

It's been about a year since the direction Lori English's life was headed completely changed. She worked for 40 years and was able to retire early, but now she's looking for a job.

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"All my dreams are gone. Everything is gone," she said.

In March 2023 she got a phone call and said caller identification indicated it was the Social Security Administration. She said she was transferred to others who identified themselves as other federal agencies. She now knows they were all part of a scam. It turned out to be the first of many calls she had over the next couple months and would cost her more than half a million dollars.

“They were so slick, the guy I talked to everyday had an answer for everything and he was smooth, I had no question he was who he said he was. He didn't hesitate on any of his answers, he knew what he was doing," English said.

English said the people on the phone told her that her social security number was linked to a drug trafficking and money laundering operation. 

“They made her believe somebody was using her identity and had committed these crimes, therefore they needed these things from her to help clean her name of this investigation," said Det. Sgt. Justin Woodyard from the Licking County Sheriff's Office who was the lead detective on the case.

The scammers told her in order to get her name cleared, she had to drain her retirement and investments and then buy gold, according to English. She did. She was also told she couldn't talk to anyone about this. She said they were praying on her fear.

"He’s got me so sucked in and so scared I'm going to go to prison and just the things he kept telling me to enforce that but yet it's ok Lori, we got you," she said. "I've had people say to me that's not going to happen, people aren't going to do that legitimately, and I say until you’re in my shoes you can't judge.”

Investigators said on two different occasions, people part of the operation met with English inside her home and took the gold she purchased. 

“I do not know of another case where scammers actually come into your residence in your living room and take possession of your property," Woodyard said. "This case is very unique because I don't think I've ever heard of such a thing."

The individuals who showed up at English's house the first time have not been caught and the gold has not been found. Justin T. Cao and Tuan Hung Van were the ones who showed up the second time, according to Woodyard. He said they were pulled over in Oklahoma with the gold in the car and English's receipt. Court documents show they were recently sentenced to two years in prison. Woodyard said they are involved in what is an elaborate, international, organized crime operation.

“I don't want other people to have to go through this. It was a long process, a long scary process. And they got everything from me. And I want to educate people, teach them how these operations work and what happens and what to do if you do get into my situation," English said.

English hopes those higher up in the operation are caught too. She has set up a P.O. Box, P.O. Box 604, Pataskala, OH 43062 for those who may want to help her. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two hot-button bills at the Ohio Statehouse may see more movement within the next few weeks or months. Each of the bills has brought out more than 100 opponents, and both have to do with schools, but in different ways.

House Bill 8: “Parents’ Bill of Rights”

House Bill 8, or the Parents Bill of Rights, was introduced by Reps. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron). It passed the House last summer, with unanimous Republican support.

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“We want to make sure parents are still involved with the classrooms with their kids, that they’re working with their teachers to educate the children, that they’re not being cut out of that process,” Swearingen said.

The bill was first introduced last general assembly but did not pass, likely due to timing.

The current version would allow parents to opt their student out of certain sexuality-related content; opponents worry it would become anti-LGBTQ+.

“To have a parent be engaged, understating and involved in that process, I think that’s a good thing and I don’t think that’s anti-anything, quite honestly,” Swearingen said.

The bill would prohibit school personnel from encouraging a student to withhold information from a parent unless there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse. 

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“We vetted this issue really thoroughly in the House,” Swearingen said. “Obviously if a child is being abused in the home, we want to make sure that is taken care of and take that very, very seriously.”

The bill is currently in the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware). Brenner said they are making sure the bill is “workable.”

“We don’t want to create an unfunded mandate on school systems that will create a lot of extra problems, but we do want to make sure parents, in their bill of rights, they know what’s going on with kids in schools,” Brenner said.

Swearingen said the amendments that are being considered right now include some “clarifying language” related to the sexuality content section of the bill and clarifying abuse-type situations. But Swearingen said it is not an overhaul of the legislation.

“I didn’t see it that way, I think it needs a little more work,” he said. “That’s just part of the legislative process. I have a few comments that I will be sending [Brenner’s] way and hopefully, we will keep the bill rolling to the governor’s desk.”

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Brenner said whether the amendments are taken up in full is “not necessarily” a non-starter.

“It’s a negotiation,” he said. “Generally, I think if we voted on it tomorrow, it would pass out of committee.”

Brenner said the vote will likely come late this month or next month. Once the bill is favorably reported out of committee, the Senate will need to take it up for a floor vote. If the Senate does pass the bill, it then would go to the House floor for a concurrence vote, then to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk for signature.

“I think the bill could potentially be on the Senate floor later this month or May,” Brenner said.

“I think that’s a good goal,” Swearingen said. “It gives teachers and schools the summer to learn about the new bill, the new law, and how to implement it.”

House Bill 183: “Bathroom Bill”

House Bill 183, or the Bathroom Bill, was introduced last May by Reps. Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Adam Bird (R-New Richmond).

The bill would require K-12 public schools, chartered nonpublic schools, and institutions of higher education to designate specified restrooms for students of the male or female biological sex.

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“I don’t view this as controversial,” Bird said. “In fact, I think parents of all political backgrounds want their children to be safe in the restroom.”

This bill has also drawn out more than 100 opponents to the Statehouse, who said it is discriminatory against transgender students and addresses a problem that does not truly exist. But Bird said the legislation has been widely requested and is only about safety; he said several steps have been taken to ensure the bill’s feasibility.

“We met with Ohio State, we met with IUC, and we met with colleges and universities and interests and there were some issues in there that I thought we listened, and we worked on,” Bird said.

Bird said many of the major issues that Republicans on the committee had were also addressed in its latest revamp.

“It’s teed up and ready for a vote out of committee,” Bird said. “We are ready to roll. I think we need to get it moving and I think we need to get it moving so it has time to go over to the Senate.”

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Chair of the Ohio House Higher Education Committee, Rep. Tom Young (R-Washington Township), expects a committee vote on April 10.

“Unless something drastic happens,” he said.

If the committee does favorably report it, it would then go to the House floor.

Young said any delays in the past have been a result of due diligence, not an overarching opposition from Republican members.

“I think rushing things through is not really always the best solution,” Young said.

There are ten Republican members on the House Higher Education Committee, and Bird said he thinks they will have their support. Regardless, only eight Republicans need to vote for its favorable report to be sent to the House floor.

“I am confident that we have the votes,” he said. “I don’t know if we will get all ten Republicans, but I think we will get at least eight.”

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“Do we have all ten votes? You hope that is the case,” Young said. “But you just never know until all ten vote.”

Bird said he thinks he will have “almost all” support of the caucus on a House floor vote. If it does pass the House, it will then go to a Senate committee for additional hearings before a Senate floor vote.

“I am very upbeat and enthusiastic of its chances,” Bird said. “I hope it gets done soon to be implemented at the start of the school year.”

Both the House and Senate are scheduled to meet next week. If either of these bills does not pass by the end of the year, they will have to be reintroduced next year, and re-start the committee hearing process, for another consideration.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- April showers are not wasting any time this year.

Franklin County Emergency Management officials said they will be keeping a close eye on the rivers as rain starts to move in. They said if you live in an area that tends to flood in rain events, now is the time to start preparing.

"We have some traditional low lying areas that we always kind of focus on or worry about if they get, you know, two or three inches in a very short period of time, they will experience flooding or flash flooding,” said Jeff Young, the Director of Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

He said they will have crews monitoring the river gauges and radars for any potential situations.  

“We're kind of watching the river gages and they have been fairly accurate on their predictive models," Young said. "You know, they go through different stages. The national weather service tracks those, whether it is, you know, no flooding or they're starting to take preemptive action to moderate flooding, to major flooding. And we can kind of watch and see where that crest is and that kind of drives some decision making."

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Overnight Sunday into Monday, certain areas in Franklin County saw some flooding with early morning rain.

Young said as of now they are not expecting anything too problematic, but that those who live along any bodies of water or an area that tends to flood need to start their prep now.

“You're always kind of prepping in your mind, whether it is putting items, you know, at a higher elevation, you know, making sure that your pumps are working,” Young said. “Everybody needs to kind of have a go kit, the ability to take those important things with you.”

Young said go kits should include any important documents you need, medications, and a charging device for phones. He said to make a plan with your family. Young said if your home does flood, don’t wait around to leave as quickly as you can.

He said to watch for alerts on your phone from Franklin County EMA, the National Weather Service and Storm Team 4.

Parts of Central Ohio have already seen 1"-2" of rain over the last 24 hours. On top of the additional rainfall and flooding threats, we continue to track the risk for severe thunderstorms for the next couple of days.

The severe weather threat will pick up again Tonight and last through Tuesday evening. Areas north of Interstate 70 will be under a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms. South of I-70 will see a slight risk which is a level higher on that risk scale.

The next round of thunderstorms will arrive in Central Ohio late this evening and last through the mid morning hours Tuesday. During midday and the first part of the afternoon Tuesday there will be another break in the storms. That break will lead to sunshine that will create enough instability to fuel one last round of very strong storms.

Tuesday afternoon close to the evening commute will bring a line of thunderstorms firing up along a cold front that will push through the area. Once this line passed then a blast of colder air moves into Central Ohio.

The biggest threats will be for damaging winds and large hail. There is the potential for a few isolated tornadoes to form a well. Both the early morning and the evening round of storms will carry that tornadic threat.

With all of the rain that has already fallen and with the position of the jet stream that will bring more moisture, the chances for flooding remains for much of the state. Biggest flooding potentials will be along and south of the I-70 corridor.

Stay up to date with the latest forecast form Storm Team 4.

Storm Team 4 continues to track the forecast for the total solar eclipse on April 8. After a wet and stormy start to the month, changes are on the way by the start of next week.

The current forecast does not call for rain showers anywhere in central Ohio. Turning to the cloud cover, models are suggesting partly to mostly sunny skies. The trick will be dodging the few clouds that will be in the skies by 3 p.m. next Monday.

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As next Monday approaches Storm Team 4 will be able to fine-tune the areas that will be most likely to see the fair weather clouds passing by.