Hail Storm Hits Columbus and Worthington on April 22, 2026

On the late afternoon of Wednesday, April 22, 2026, a severe thunderstorm moved through central Ohio, bringing significant hail to parts of Columbus and Worthington. Reports from the area indicated hail ranging from small pellets to stones as large as golf balls, prompting weather warnings and public attention.

Storm Timeline and Affected Areas

The storm passed through Columbus’ Northwest Side and Worthington during the late afternoon hours. According to local reporting, hail began falling shortly before 5 p.m., with one Dispatch staffer observing hail accumulating on driveways, yards, and streets in Northwest Columbus. In Worthington, another staffer reported hail up to golf ball size falling steadily for 15 to 20 minutes before skies cleared and sunshine returned.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for north central Fairfield County and southern Licking County, effective until 6:15 p.m. The warning covered areas including Newark, Heath, Granville, Pataskala, Buckeye Lake, Hebron, Millersport, Fairfield Beach, Beechwood Trails, Harbor Hills, Granville South, Marne, Thornport, Etna, Kirkersville, Alexandria, and sections of Interstate 70 between State Routes 310 and 161, as well as between State Routes 37 and 13.

Hail Size and Impact

Multiple sources confirmed hail sizes varied significantly across the affected zones. In some locations, hail was reported as quarter-sized (approximately 1 inch in diameter), even as other areas experienced stones up to golf ball size (approximately 1.75 inches). The weather service warned that hail of this magnitude could cause damage to vehicles, trees, and power lines, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 60 mph.

Interactive hail maps for April 22, 2026, documented quarter-sized hail near Dublin, Ohio (11.1 miles northwest of Columbus) and half-dollar-sized hail (approximately 1.25 inches) reported 10 miles northwest of Columbus. Additional reports indicated quarter-sized hail near Napoleon, Ohio, and Ottawa, Ohio, reflecting broader storm activity across the region.

Aftermath and Conditions

Following the passage of the storm, conditions improved rapidly. Observers noted that after the hail subsided, dark skies with lightning and thunder gave way to clear, sunny weather. No fatalities or major injuries were reported in connection with the event, though property damage assessments were ongoing in the most heavily impacted areas.

This storm contributed to a broader pattern of active spring weather across the Midwest in April 2026, with similar hail events reported in other states including Indiana, Texas, South Dakota, and Utah on the same day.