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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The fourth of nearly two dozen super loads began its journey Wednesday morning from Adams County, and this will be the first one headed toward Intel's Ohio One plant in New Albany.

The super load is making its way from a dock on the Ohio River near Manchester. Earlier ones had gone to the Freepoints Eco-Systems recycling facility near Hebron.

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"These loads are the building blocks of our economy and represent thousands of good paying jobs that will improve the lives of Ohioans for generations," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a news release from the Ohio Department of Transportation. "With this super load, we are making even more progress in building the Silicon Heartland."

This load carries an air processor, weighs 378,400 pounds, and is over 19 feet tall, 20 feet wide and 128 feet long.

On Wednesday, the load will travel along the following route:

• The load will pull out of the dock onto U.S. 52 about 8:15 a.m.
• The load is expected to cross over and travel the wrong way in the U.S. 52 westbound lanes just before the junction of State Route239.
• The load will travel north on the State Route 239 southbound ramp toward state routes 73 and 852.

Report confirms delayed timeline for Intel facility in New Albany

On its way to New Albany, the load will pass through Franklin County but not until later this week.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- National coffeehouse Caribou Coffee is opening a new central Ohio shop this spring as part of the company's plan to launch 60 locations across Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.

Caribou will begin welcoming coffee enthusiasts to the new shop in May at 1752 Columbus Pike in Delaware, according to the company's site. The new coffeehouse will be the third operated by franchisee Mike Mariola Restaurants, who announced an agreement with Caribou in 2021 to open 60 shops in Ohio.

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Mariola opened the first location in his hometown of Wooster at 1840 Cleveland Road in 2022, and then launched a location at 7010 E. Main St. in Reynoldsburg last year.

"We couldn't be more excited to work with Mike and his team who have built such a strong reputation in the hospitality industry throughout Ohio," said Matthew Walls, Caribou's chief franchise officer, when the Wooster shop opened. "They are incredible operators and are dedicated to delivering Caribou’s purpose of creating day-making experiences for our guests."

Mariola's restaurant group also operates The City Square Steakhouse and Mariola Italian in Wooster, along with several locations of burger joint The Rail in Akron, Strongsville, Dublin and Grandview Heights.

Caribou's partnership with Mariola marked the coffeehouse's first domestic multi-unit franchisee, and the Wooster shop was the first new Caribou location to open in Ohio after nine years. Before that, the coffee company had opened a Findlay shop at 2021 Broad Ave. and a New Springfield store at 3600 Glacier Road.

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Founded in 1992, Caribous has expanded to more than 750 coffeehouses worldwide, including more than 330 company-owned stores, 140 non-traditional shops and 291 traditional franchise locations in 11 countries.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - When it comes to staying healthy, there are many ways to help improve your health physically and mentally. One of those ways to do so is simply walking.

National Walking Day falls on the first Wednesday in April, and organizations like the American Heart Association are raising awareness about the importance of moving your body.

According to the organization, 1 in 4 U.S. adults are sedentary for more than eight hours a day. Not moving regularly can have some negative effects on your body and your mental health.

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This year for National Walking Day, the American Heart Association is encouraging anyone to take a walk and move more on April 3. Not only is walking a simple way to be active, but it also helps with reducing stress, improve your mood and sleep and lower any risk of diseases including cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association recommends walking at least 150 minutes each week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity.

Other ways you can participate in National Walking Day is inviting friends or family on a walk with you. If you work remotely, the American Heart Association recommends taking your conference call on the go while going on your walk. You can also get your pet moving with you as well by going on an extra walk as well.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Signs to avoid a flooded section of U.S. 23 going under Interstate 270 on the South Side didn't stop a Maserati driver from trying to get through on Wednesday morning -- and getting stuck.

Ohio Department of Transportation cameras caught the black Maserati SUV trapped in floodwaters created by strong storms on Tuesday. The driver was able to get out of the car and sit on the roof until help arrived, which came about 8:30 a.m.

Dashcam captures dangerous trend resulting in crash at Columbus intersection

• U.S. 23 at Interstate 270 on the South Side of Columbus, Ohio, on April 3, 2024. (ODOT)
• U.S. 23 at Interstate 270 on the South Side of Columbus, Ohio, on April 3, 2024. (ODOT)

A GMC pickup backed into the water, and a chain was connected to the Maserati and helped pull the SUV to a dry section of U.S. 23. A Franklin County sheriff's cruiser responded to the scene before the ODOT camera pivoted away. A later shot showed the SUV on the side of the road by itself.

Watch: Maserati SUV pulled out of flooded road

The road, also known as South High Street through that stretch, was closed at least by 3 p.m. Tuesday, an ODOT image showed.

U.S. 23 at Interstate 270 in on the South Side of Columbus, Ohio, on April 2, 2024 (Courtesy Photo/Ohio Department of Transportation)

Columbus received a record 2.05 inches of rain on Tuesday, creating ponding and flooded roads in several areas. The road remained closed as of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, with detours posted.

As always, you can stay weather aware with the NBC4 weather app and find live traffic conditions on NBC4i.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With a number of players returning to the court at Ohio State next season, fans are looking forward to Jake Diebler's first full season as coach of the men's basketball program. But the future also includes a high school senior who is already looking forward to becoming a Buckeye.

For any high school basketball player, there's no bigger stage than the state tournament. And Ottawa-Glandorf's Collin White is just the second player in Ohio history to play in the state tournament all four years of high school. The first was Lebron James.

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"It means everything. I've been, fortunately, been here four straight years and I wouldn't want to be any other place this weekend in March," White said.

But White is preparing for the next level, getting ready to play for Ohio State and compete in the Big Ten.

"I've proven that over the years that I can play any style and play any place but I can really hammer down and be physical and get to the rim and just using my frame, you know," White said. "My frame is only going to grow and get bigger."

White committed to the Buckeyes last summer and was named this year's Ohio Mr. Basketball as he eclipsed 2,000 points in the final game of his high school career, which happened to be a state semifinal against Harvest Prep.

"Colin is tough. He's smart. He's versatile. I think Colin has got a bright future here in this program and what I love about him most is he loves this place and I just think his high school career has been impressive," Diebler said.

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White's commitment to Ohio State remained the same through the program's leadership change. If anything, the promotion of Diebler has only reinforced White's commitment.

"I think [Diebler] has a lot of energy. You look at him on the sidelines and he's ready to go all the time and just love how his communication fits so well with the players you know," White said. "All the players love him, all the players trust him and that's a great feeling as a player coming in and being recruited by him."

Watch a previous NBC4 report on H.B. 68 in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Ohio law set to take effect this month banning gender-affirming care for minors and transgender athletes' participation in women's sports could be put on hold if a legal challenge against the measure is successful.

House Bill 68 is scheduled to be enacted in Ohio on April 23, prohibiting children's hospitals from providing treatment like gender-reassignment surgery and hormone therapy to trans minors. The bill also bars trans students from taking part in female athletics and revokes the Ohio High School Athletic Association's trans athlete policy, a measure that is allowing seven trans girls to participate in high school sports this school year.

However, the ACLU announced on March 26 it filed a lawsuit against the bill's gender-affirming care provision and is requesting a preliminary injunction to strike down the ban, according to the complaint filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The ACLU filed the suit on behalf of two families whose children are at risk of losing access to their healthcare.

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"Families are now confronted with the extremely difficult decision of fleeing the state they call home to protect their children or allowing them to go without the care they and their doctors know is right for them," said Chase Strangio, deputy director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU.

The ACLU's suit argues the legislation violates the Ohio Constitution's single-subject rule, requiring bills to only be about one topic, given the measure addresses trans healthcare and participation in sports. The two provisions had been separate bills before Ohio House legislators combined them in June last year.

H.B. 68 also goes against a constitutional amendment that says no law or rule "shall prohibit the purchase or sale of Health Care or health insurance," the ACLU said. The amendment led by Ohio Republicans passed in 2011 and aimed to limit the effects of the Affordable Care Act.

The legal challenge came after the Statehouse voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of the legislation. DeWine decided to reject the bill after visiting several children's hospitals, arguing "parents should make these decisions and not the government."

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Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery), the primary sponsor of H.B. 68, said the complaint is "not surprising" and "par for the course," and argued H.B. 68 was written "to be bulletproof when it came to lawsuits." Click said he has the "utmost confidence in our attorney general who is capable of defending such commonsense legislation."

"It is going to be a frivolous lawsuit because there is not constitutional right to sterilize children or to harm or to mutilate them," Click said. "I believe that science and the law is on our side and we will prevail."

Gender-affirming care is backed by every major medical association in the nation, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association. To override medical consensus is "government overreach," the ACLU said and promised it will "reinstate Ohio families' right to make personal medical decisions with healthcare providers -- not politicians."

Ohio's children’s hospitals have served about 3,300 individuals throughout the past 10 years whose first appointment at a gender clinic took place when they were under the age of 18, according to the Ohio Children's Hospital Association president. Of those 3,300 individuals, 7% were prescribed a puberty blocker and 35% were prescribed hormones.

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DeWine faced a wave of criticism from notable Republicans who called for the Statehouse to override his veto, including from former President Donald Trump, who wrote in a Truth Social post that DeWine "has fallen to the Radical Left."

The governor attempted to assuage the backlash by signing an executive order in January to ban Ohio’s medical professionals from performing gender transition surgery on trans youth. DeWine previously said he enacted that order, in part, in anticipation of a lawsuit against H.B. 68.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Both a local astronomer and national cellphone companies shared perspectives on what could happen with cellular coverage during the coming eclipse.

A wide band running from the northeast portion of Ohio to the western region will be in the path of totality, or where the sun will be 100% blocked by the moon on Monday. It will reveal phenomena like the solar corona and stars and planets visible in the daytime. Everyone outside this coverage area, which includes much of central Ohio, will have a different view of the obstruction. Columbus' neighboring towns like Dublin and Hilliard, however, are within the projected path of totality.

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Major interest in the eclipse could see large groups of people converging on places in the path of totality. This is commonly a precursor to cellphone problems, according to the Federal Communications Commission. And with this in mind, Don Stevens, director of the Perkins Observatory at Ohio Wesleyan University, said that it's not the eclipse that would have any impact on connectivity.

"There's no mysterious eclipse rays or beams or anything like that that's going to occur that comes from this," Stevens said. "The only thing that's going to disrupt cellphone tower service is the amount of traffic, of people trying to livestream, upload videos and pictures and selfies and access all kinds of things online."

Stevens speculated that because of the potential for congestion, major network providers may deploy mobile cellphone towers like the ones used during natural disasters where coverage has been impacted. But Verizon in particular told NBC4 that its network has become so advanced that it won't need to do anything like that.

"In areas where people may gather to experience this event, we feel confident the additional capacity we have layered into the network over the past few years will accommodate any increases in data usage, however as requests for supplemental capacity come to us, we are assessing the needs," a Verizon communications manager wrote.

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Another major carrier, AT&T, told NBC4 it doesn't expect serious issues thanks to the widespread adoption of 5G cellular technology.

"Our network has drastically changed since the last solar eclipse in 2017," AT&T's Phil Hayes said. "Our higher-speed mid-band 5G+ spectrum alone covers more than 210 million people. Our bandwidth has increased significantly in the last few years, providing for an improved experience on our network as a result."

AT&T also operates a public safety network called FirstNet specifically intended for emergency responders, which allows them to communicate on separate channels from civilian customers at no extra charge.

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 (WCMH) – A man is dead after driving a car into the back of a bus Tuesday night in east Columbus.

According to Columbus police, a man driving a red Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound on East Livingston Avenue, near the Wellesley Road, Eastmoor Boulevard intersection, at around 11:15 p.m. As the driver approached the area, he rear-ended a COTA bus that was stopped just west of the intersection.

Dashcam captures dangerous trend resulting in crash at Columbus intersection

The driver, 24-year-old Kevin Jones, was extracted from the car and taken to Grant Medical Center in life-threatening condition. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The driver of the COTA bus and one adult passenger were taken to Grant Medical Center and listed in stable condition.

The Accident Investigation Unit responded to the scene and continues to investigate the incident.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Columbus resident’s dash camera captured the moment a car without a license plate took over an intersection and crashed into another vehicle – a growing trend law enforcement said started early this year.

On March 23, police were called to Williams Road and Alum Creek Drive in the South Alum Creek neighborhood when a car began stunt driving in the middle of the intersection. The takeover ended when the 21-year-old driver crashed into another car and a man was transported to a local hospital, according to Columbus Police Lieutenant Christopher Wayner. The man who was hit was transported to the hospital in stable condition and was not critically injured.

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“These burnouts and street takeover events and everything else started up early this year so we’re just trying to get ahead of it,” Wayner said. “The last couple of years were interesting, had a lot of large meet-ups.”

The driver who took over the intersection fled the scene but was later identified and cited for the accident, thanks to video footage taken by residents. Both cars sustained severe damage and were impounded, Wayner said. The case will be forwarded to the city attorney’s office who will determine if any criminal charges will be filed. 

The street takeover near Obetz was not the only one police responded to on March 23 – Wayner said police had already cleared up “several” meetups earlier that night. Along with street takeovers in intersections, people will often perform stunt driving in large parking lots of closed businesses, according to Wayner. 

“They’re putting a lot of themselves and their spectators at risk, so something we’re trying to deal with,” Wayner said. “[Last] April there was a large number of these and we had officers actually get shot at who were trying to break up an event. We’ve already had shots fired at events this year when we were clearing them out.”

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Ohio lawmakers are attempting to combat the issue with a bill that would increase penalties for stunt driving, which sponsor Rep. Andrea White said the state is seeing an increased frequency of.

“When you have situations where communities have several hundred people gathering at intersections, and multiple cars doing very dangerous stunt driving in the center of major intersections, and then all of the sudden multiple parties fleeing police, people are getting hurt, lives are being lost, property damaged,” White said in a March interview. 

Under the legislation, activities such as donuts, burnouts, drifting, wheelies and tire-squealing, as well as allowing a passenger to ride partially or fully outside of a vehicle, would be classified as “stunt driving.”  Any car involved in the act would be subject to seizure and forfeiture. The bill also states anyone rendering assistance to street racing, stunt driving or street takeover would be equally charged as participants.

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Tornado watches and warnings have subsided, but a heavy wave of rain Tuesday has increased the concern for flooding and power outages in central Ohio.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

Nearly three inches of rain fell in the Columbus area over the past three days and in some areas as much as four inches has fallen. Last night’s patch of storms added significant rainfall on already saturated ground, causing flood concerns, power outages and some damage throughout the region.

Scattered, light rain showers Wednesday afternoon and evening, as well as a possible wintry mix Thursday morning could keep flood threats activated longer.

Flood alerts remain in effect Wednesday morning throughout central Ohio. (NBC4) FLOOD ALERTS

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for lowland areas along Big Darby Creek in Franklin, Pickaway and Madison Counties. At 4 a.m. the flood stage was measured at 11.9 feet. At 12 feet, lowland flooding occurs, and the river is expected to crest at 12.1 feet Wednesday morning.

The NWS has issued flood watches or warnings for over a dozen counties in central Ohio. Alerts remain in the following areas:

• Franklin County (until 9:12 p.m.)
• Coshocton County (12:15 p.m.)
• Crawford County (9 a.m.)
• Fayette County (9:30 a.m.)
• Guernsey County (10:45 a.m.)
• Hocking County (4 p.m.)
• Licking County (9:30 a.m.)
• Madison County (9:30 a.m.)
• Morgan County (Thursday, 5 a.m.)
• Muskingum County (10:45 a.m.)
• Noble County (10:45 a.m.)
• Pickaway County (9:30 a.m.)
• Pike County (9:30 a.m.)

Two rescued underneath Columbus bridge after flooding

Locally, high water remains in areas of south Columbus, particularly the Greenlawn Avenue exit along Interstate 71 South and at U.S. Route 23 and Interstate 270, which are still closed, as well as parts of State Route 104.

Additionally, floodwalls installed along Greenlawn and Harmon avenues in Franklinton, west of Downtown, will not be moved until at least Wednesday afternoon, according to the City of Columbus. It’s the first time the walls have been activated since May 2020.

A car stops before entering a flood zone at U.S. Route 23 and Interstate 270 in south Columbus. (NBC4) POWER OUTAGES

As of 4:30 a.m. American Electric Power is reporting over 15,000 power outages in central and southern Ohio, with the majority of the outages coming from southeastern counties.

Over 11,400 are being reported in Lawrence County with an additional 2,100 coming from Adams County. Scioto County (329), Gallia County (163) and Licking County (122) are also reporting several outages.

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Officials advise residents to pack a back with anything you will need in an emergency, including bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flashlights, and other necessities. They say to have your phone charged ahead of time and have a portable charger available if possible.

AEP Ohio typically updates its outage map every 15 minutes. Check the outage map below.

THE DOUBLE RAINBOW

Those seeking reprieve from the effects of Tuesday’s storms and prior inclement weather in central Ohio were granted a site only seen in perfect conditions.

A double rainbow was captured throughout the Columbus area, including at Lower.com Field, where the Crew game against UANL Tigres in a Champions Cup game was temporarily placed on hold due to lightning.

A lightning bolt is seen intersecting with a double rainbow in Columbus (NBC4 Photo/Adam Conn)

NBC4 journalists across Columbus reported seeing the rainbow and sent in photos.

Dave Mazza, chief meteorologist of Storm Team 4, said the timing was perfect for a double rainbow, which is more common than a single rainbow when the conditions are right just before sunset.

WEATHER UPDATES

Stay weather aware with Storm Team 4 through live radar, weather alerts, closings and delays, live road conditions and push notifications from our NBC4 apps.

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Sct'd rain, breezy, high 46
• Tonight: Wintry mix, low 35
• Thursday: AM mix, PM rain, high 45
• Friday: Early showers, high 45
• Saturday: Few clouds, high 50
• Sunday: More sunshine, high 58

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Wednesday!

Flood alerts continue for Central Ohio this morning, following several days of heavy rainfall across the region. Totals generally equated to 2-4", but some more localized spots saw totals above that. Expect ponding on some roads, and especially near rivers and creeks. If you see high water, turn around and find a new route.

Luckily, rain is getting much lighter. We start our Wednesday off on a dry note, but we will see scattered, light rain showers this afternoon and evening. We'll also be breezy, with highs only reaching the middle 40s this afternoon.

Going overnight, a few snow showers mix in, as temperatures tumble. For Thursday, we start the morning with a bit of a wintry mix, before a transition back to rain showers during the afternoon. Highs remain in the middle 40s.

By Friday, we're looking at more isolated shower activity, mainly during the morning. Highs stick in the middle 40s.

We're much nicer by this weekend, with highs near 50 Saturday, with a few clouds out.

By Sunday, highs warm to the upper 50s, with even more sunshine. Then just an isolated shower chance late Sunday.

-McKenna

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- On a day of strange weather in central Ohio and with Franklin County under a tornado watch, a double rainbow began appearing just before sunset.

Tuesday began with a strong line of storms that affected the morning commute. After midday sun, scattered showers and storms came again during the late afternoon. But then came the double rainbow.

NBC4 journalists all across Columbus reported seeing the rainbow and sent in photos. Digital Sports Reporter David DeGuzman also took video at Lower.com Field, where the Columbus Crew was set to play UANL Tigres in a Champions Cup game.

• A double rainbow visible from Grove City on April 2, 2024, amid storms moving through Columbus. (Courtesy Photo/Kelsey Wiles)
• A lightning bolt is seen intersecting with a double rainbow in Columbus (NBC4 Photo/Adam Conn)
• Rainbow outside NBC4 station (NICK BECHTEL)
• Rainbow outside NBC4 station (NICK BECHTEL)
• Rainbow outside NBC4 station (NICK BECHTEL)
• Rainbow outside NBC4 station (NICK BECHTEL)
• Double rainbow at lower.com Field (WHITNEY HARDING)
• Double rainbow at lower.com Field (WHITNEY HARDING)
• Double rainbow at lower.com Field (WHITNEY HARDING)
• Double rainbow at lower.com Field (DAVID DEGUZMAN)
• Double rainbow at lower.com Field (DAVID DEGUZMAN)

Dave Mazza, chief meteorologist of Storm Team 4, said the timing was perfect for a double rainbow, which is more common than a single rainbow when the conditions are right just before sunset.

"Behind the line of strong thunderstorms, we're seeing a bit of clearing before sunset," he said, "and that's allowing us to see the scattering of the light that's producing the rainbows."

Stay weather aware with Storm Team 4 through live radar, weather alerts, closings and delays, live road conditions and push notifications from our apps.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Better Call 4 alert for AT&T customers, past and present: The sensitive information of millions of people has appeared on the dark web.

The company announced that "AT&T data-specific fields were contained in a data set released" sometime in March.

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While it's still investigating how it happened, AT&T said the data set appeared to be from 2019 or earlier, impacts about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders, and included sensitive information such as names, home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, along with customer account passcodes.

As a "proactive" response, AT&T reset the passcodes of current users and said it is actively contacting all customers. It's also offering credit monitoring where applicable.

"You know, scams are designed to steal your money. And with identity theft, they're designed to steal your identity and later steal your money," said Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio.

Better Call 4 spoke with Dollison last month about data privacy and the risk of identity theft when that privacy is breached. And while AT&T said affected customers can expect to hear from the company directly, Dollison said cybercriminals may be quietly taking advantage of your personal information.

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"Often times, it's a longterm process," Dollison said. "So, you don't even know that they've had access to your information and that they've started taking out credit in your name until a lot of damage has been done. So, really, you want to stay vigilant and monitor your accounts on a regular basis. Look at your credit card statements and make sure there's no charges that don't sound right to you, you don't recognize the name... know when your bills are due. Sometimes, if someone has stolen your identity, they may have changed your address, because they don't want your credit card bill going to you."

And check your credit reports.

"You can access your credit reports annually, for no charge," Dollison said. "So, it's a good annual review, just to make sure there's been no additional accounts set up in your name."

Need help? Contact ‘Better Call 4’

AT&T also said it "launched a robust investigation" with internal and external cybersecurity experts to investigate the situation further.

You can see the company's full response here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Columbus woman could spend more than two decades behind bars for the fatal shooting of a man last year.

According to an announcement from the Franklin County Prosecutor, Cassandra Franklin, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 to 23.5 years in prison by Common Pleas Judge Dan Hawkins.

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Franklin pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter with a three-year gun specification and one count of burglary. Investigators said Franklin shot and killed Michael Sarratt during a struggle on the evening of February 22, 2023, after entering a Columbus residence and assaulting Sarratt and another person.

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Franklin was arrested on May 26, 2023, by the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team after she was located in Uniontown, Ohio, southeast of Akron. 

Columbus and Central Ohio Weather TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT FOR TONIGHT:

Tornado Watches are now in effect through 10 p.m. tonight for the southwest quadrant of the state, up to, and including Franklin County.

QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Tonight: Rain & storms before midnight, mostly cloudy, low 41
• Wednesday: Rain showers, breezy, cooler, high 47
• Thursday: Light AM wintry mix, to cold rain showers, high 45
• Friday: Early showers, partly sunny, cool, high 44
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, brisk, high 50

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Good Tuesday evening,

It has been a mild and moist day today with showers and storms already pushing through our area. We have had near record rainfall already, with more rain expected this evening. On top of that much of our area had picked up 1-2" of rain yesterday, making flooding a concern tonight. On top of that, we are watching the line of strong to severe storms in Indiana moving toward our area.

These storms will continue to race towards our area, and will have the risk of strong damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes this evening. The timing for the arrival of these storms will be in our far western counties after about 630pm and pushing past sunset as they move through Central Ohio. Flooding will be a concern as heavy rains will be possible, but since the storms are moving quick, and not training (following the same track), I do not anticipate large areas of 1"+ rainfall.

After this system passes, we will begin to see a small window of quieter weather overnight as temps fall back into the lower 40s to upper 30s. However, on the backside of this system the low will drive down some colder air for the remainder of the work week. Temps will struggle into the mid to upper 40s on Wednesday with scattered rain showers, and breezy conditions.

Thursday expect a light wet wintry mix in the morning, giving way to cold rain showers in the afternoon with highs only in the middle 40s. Rain showers will be possible early on Friday, with still a chilly day with highs only into the lower to middle 40s. We will start to dry out later Friday and set us up for a nice, but brisk start to the weekend.

Temps on Saturday will push back up near 50 with sunshine returning to our area. Expect more sunshine and warmer temps on Sunday with highs in the upper 50s. Unfortunately, it is appearing that more clouds will start to move in for Monday, but with temps in the lower 60s. For the Eclipse hours in the afternoon, it does appear at this point that we will at least have mixed clouds, and an isolated shower can't be ruled out later in the day as a warm front lifts north.

Tuesday will be a warmer day behind the front, with highs in the upper 60s to near 70.

-Dave

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Power crews are getting ready to tackle possible outages from Tuesday’s storm.

They say if you haven’t started preparing your home for the storm, it is never too late to start. Early morning storms Tuesday made for an early start for AEP Ohio crews.

Live updates: Strong storms expected for Columbus and central Ohio on April 2, 2024

“We have crews working 24/7 to restore power,” said Julia Ivinskas, a customer experience manager with AEP Ohio.

As the severe threat grows stronger, thousands more workers are ready to deploy. AEP Ohio also has help from other states ready to go, if needed.

“It's a perfect storm with the ground being so saturated and heavy winds coming through and knocking down the trees that fall on the lines and snap poles,” Ivinskas said.

The impacts of Tuesday's storms will be felt across the state. Power crews in the south and north are also bringing in reinforcements.

“During a storm like we're expecting, it's all hands on deck coverage for all of our electric companies," said Lauren Siburkis, a spokesperson for FirstEnergy. "So we have all of our line workers and support personnel and forestry workers on standby."

Two rescued underneath Columbus bridge after flooding

FirstEnergy also has contractor crews in the area to assist with damage.

Electric companies say if a power line does fall, stay far away.

“Assume that any line on the ground is energized, and call 911 or call us," Ivinskas said. "If you're removing debris from your yard, make sure that you call us before you begin to do that."

Officials said to pack a back with anything you will need in an emergency, including bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flashlights and other necessities. They say to charge your phone now and charge up a portable charger if you have one.

AEP Ohio typically updates its outage map every 15 minutes. Check the outage map below.

NEWARK (WCMH) – A Licking County man appeared in court for the first time since being indicted for the murder of a Newark woman two weeks ago.

Andrew Hoskinson, 22, is charged with two counts of murder, aggravated murder and strangulation after Newark police found 21-year-old Talia Smith unconscious in the back seat of a vehicle in the 200 block of Eddy Street on March 17.

Medics on the scene were able to obtain a pulse for Smith, who was then taken to Licking Memorial Hospital and then later flown to Grant Medical Center in Columbus.

Two rescued underneath Columbus bridge after flooding

Smith, who was pronounced dead at 6:24 p.m. on March 23, reportedly had numerous contusions and abrasions in various stages of healing, with some appearing to have been recently caused, police said. Newark detectives obtained search warrants for the car and the residence of Hoskinson.

Evidence of domestic violence was collected, including information that the victim had been strangled as part of ongoing violence and Hoskinson was originally charged with domestic violence and strangulation. Charges were amended by the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office.

Hoskinson entered a written plea of not guilty Friday and on Tuesday, a Licking County Court of Common Pleas judge issued him a $1.5 million bond, which is identical to the bond he received in municipal court one week prior.

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.