Multiple tornado warnings swept across Warren County on Sunday evening, Sept. 20, putting Mason directly in the path of a fast-moving storm system that also triggered flash flood warnings overnight.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington issued the first tornado warning at 7:54 p.m. after a severe thunderstorm was spotted over Gratis at 7:53 p.m., according to WLWT. That warning covered northeastern Butler County and northwestern Warren County.
A second warning followed at 8:02 p.m. for central Warren County and eastern Butler County. Both expired at 8:30 p.m.
Mason, Lebanon, Springboro, Waynesville, Morrow, South Lebanon, Corwin, Oregonia and Hunter were all named in the NWS bulletins, Rolling Out reported. Forecasters tracked the severe cell over Hunter at 8:16 p.m., moving southeast at roughly 35 miles per hour. The warnings carried an "Extreme" threat classification.
Doppler radar detected rotation within the storm. The NWS bulletin flagged potential hazards including damage to mobile homes, torn-off roofing and downed trees. Stretches of Interstate 71 between mile markers 27 and 36 and Interstate 75 between mile markers 30 and 37 fell within the storm's projected path.
Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones shared the NWS bulletin on X shortly after it was issued Sunday evening.
No confirmed tornado touchdowns, injuries or structural damage in Mason or Deerfield Township had been reported as of Sunday night. Warren County Emergency Management had not released a public statement on the storm's local impact.
Flash flood warning followed
After the tornado warnings expired, the NWS issued a flash flood warning at 9:14 p.m. Sunday for portions of Warren and Clinton counties. That warning was not expected to expire until at least 12:15 a.m. Monday.
A broader flood watch remained in effect for all of southwest Ohio and portions of southeast Indiana through noon Monday, Sept. 21. The NWS warned that excessive runoff could flood rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas.
WHIO TV 7 reported more than 12,000 power outages across the region after Sunday's storms, with the figure later climbing past 17,000 as the outlet updated its coverage.
What to watch for
Scattered showers were expected to continue through Monday morning, with isolated storm chances into Tuesday and Wednesday. The rest of the week was forecast to bring a drier pattern, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.
Residents can check current warnings at weather.gov and follow Warren County EMA on social media for local updates.
