Strong Winds Strong winds of 55 mph or more can cause significant damage even though no tornado is present. "Downbursts" are columns of air that slam to the earth and spread high winds in many directions. Downbursts can be just as damaging as tornadoes; if such conditions are present, take the same precautions as you would for a tornado.

Tornadoes are sweeping across areas of the South and Midwest of the United States, leaving a trail of destruction and tens of thousands of homes without power. Flash flooding is expected to follow the violent storms as the National Weather Service warns of a threat to life.

The tornado was confirmed by the NWS in Highland County just after 1 a.m. A strong debris signature was seen just northeast of Fayetteville around 1:20 a.m. A few minutes later, the NWS issued a Confirmed Tornado Warning for Highland, Clinton and Brown counties.

(WSAZ) - Storms coming in from Western Kentucky and Southern Ohio packed a punch this morning, with multiple tornado warning issued over the region this morning. Heavy rain and ordinary thunderstorms should continue through the remainder of the morning, with a few of these storms possibly becoming strong with 60 mph wind gusts.

At least 1 dead, 10 hurt as 'dangerous' system hits much of U.S., spins up tornadoes and flood risk

After a very rough night of severe storms for much of central Ohio, we turn our attention to the rest of the week and the weekend. The two main areas of focus will be the possibility of additional severe storms, as well as the likelihood of significant rainfall.

Over 10 inches of rain could fall through Saturday, pushing rivers well above flood stage in a "particularly dangerous situation." If that wasn't enough, multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms with hail,

Several states in the central U.S. were hit hard overnight by a deadly storm that reportedly caused flash flooding and even destructive tornadoes.

Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will be possible. The threat may end earlier than the expiration of the watch, depending on the speed of these storms. All northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan counties are under a flood watch.

The national weather service issues watches and warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. What's worse? What do they mean?