Meteorologist Connor Prince of WLIO joined WCSM’s Spectrum on Tuesday to talk about tornadoes, forecasting, and why severe weather awareness matters in west central Ohio. Prince said his interest in weather started when he was young and grew into a career after studying meteorology at Ohio State. He told listeners weather forecasting is a constant process that continues even after a forecast airs, with meteorologists regularly checking radar, models, and updates from the National Weather Service.

Prince said one of the biggest misconceptions people have is how far out a forecast can really be trusted. He said his standard for a specific day to day forecast is about seven days, adding that longer range outlooks should be treated much more broadly and not as precise daily forecasts. He also said a forecast can be scientifically sound and still feel wrong to the public, especially when one community gets severe weather and another nearby town sees very little.

During the conversation, Prince broke down the difference between tornado watches and warnings and stressed that any tornado warning should be taken seriously. He said warning text can show whether a tornado is radar indicated or confirmed by spotters, law enforcement, the public, or radar debris signatures, but the message is the same: seek shelter immediately and do not waste time trying to figure out how the tornado was detected.

Prince also pointed to the March 14, 2024 Indian Lake tornado outbreak as an example of how radar technology has improved. He explained that dual polarization radar can help meteorologists detect debris lofted into the air by a tornado, even without a visual confirmation from the ground. Prince said that during the Indian Lake storm, radar was able to detect debris as the tornado moved through Auglaize County, giving meteorologists another powerful tool during severe weather coverage.

He said there are signs Ohio may be seeing more tornado activity than in the past. Prince said the state once averaged around 12 tornadoes a year, but that number is now closer to 21. He added that Ohio recorded 74 tornadoes in 2024, the most on record for the state, and said data suggests the most favorable tornado corridor may be shifting somewhat farther east.

As for safety, Prince said the best place to go during a tornado warning is a basement. If a home does not have one, he said people should move to the most interior room possible, stay away from windows, and cover themselves if they can. He also warned people never to shelter under bridges or overpasses, saying winds can actually accelerate in those areas and make conditions even more dangerous.

Prince also shared that he is headed to Oklahoma for a trip to Tornado Alley, calling it a dream experience for a meteorologist and weather enthusiast. He said he plans to post updates, pictures, and videos from the trip on his Facebook page.