May Storm Trends
- Thomas Breckel
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Clinton County’s May Storm Season: What History Tells Us—and How to Be Ready for What’s Next
May is often considered the gateway to summer—but in Clinton County, Ohio, it’s also the month when severe weather risk sharply rises. Over the past 25 years, May has brought some of the region’s most dangerous storms, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
As spring intensifies, it is important for Clinton County residents to revisit their emergency plans, brush up on safety tips, and understand local risk factors tied to severe weather.
A Look Back: 25 Years of May Storms in Clinton County
Historical weather data shows that May continues to be one of the most active months for severe weather in the county. Several years have seen significant storm impacts, with tornadoes and damaging wind events affecting multiple communities.
May 2001: A large-scale severe weather event brought hail and wind damage to parts of the county, resulting in property and tree damage.
May 2008 & 2009: EF0 tornadoes were confirmed in various areas. One 2009 tornado near Wilmington caused damage to homes and downed utilities.
May 2014: Storms produced strong winds, contributing to structural and tree damage across parts of the county.
May 2024: Two storm systems impacted Clarksville and Blanchester, leading to downed trees, power outages, and localized structural damage.
This historical trend emphasizes that Clinton County residents should remain especially alert during the month of May.
Recent Instances of Tornadoes in Clinton County:
High-Risk Zones: Where the Storms Strike Most Often
Reviewing storm damage and tornado paths over the years reveals certain communities tend to be impacted more frequently. These areas include:
Wilmington, which, as the county’s largest city, has more developed infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of storm-related impacts.
Blanchester, located in the southwestern corner of the county, has been struck by multiple high-wind events, including the 2024 storm.
Clarksville, a smaller village, has appeared in storm damage reports multiple times and is situated along common storm tracks.
Sabina, in the eastern part of the county, has also seen tornado and wind damage, particularly from storms that travel west to east across open farmland.
These locations may be at greater risk due to a combination of storm movement patterns, population density, and topographic exposure.
Tornado Safety at Home: Choosing the Right Shelter Spot
When a tornado warning is issued, having a designated safe place in your home can make a life-saving difference. A safe shelter should meet the following criteria:
Be located on the lowest level of your home, preferably in a basement.
Be an interior room with no windows—such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
Be away from exterior walls and corners where debris can accumulate.
Include protective coverings such as a mattress or helmet to shield your head from flying debris.
Families are encouraged to identify their shelter location in advance and practice moving to it quickly during drills.
No Shelter? Plan Alternatives in Advance
Not all homes offer safe shelter options, especially mobile homes, older structures without basements, or buildings with wide open floor plans. In these cases, residents should pre-identify a safer alternative location.
Guidance on this topic is available through Clinton County EMA’s article: Finding a Tornado Shelter. Key points include:
Arranging to shelter in a friend’s or relative’s home that has a suitable location.
Identifying public buildings that may serve as storm shelters (when available and announced).
Avoiding staying in mobile homes during tornado warnings due to high vulnerability.
Advance planning can help ensure a quick and safe transition to shelter when warnings are issued.
Household Preparedness: What Every Family Should Have
Storm readiness goes beyond just watching the forecast. Each household should maintain a basic emergency kit and ensure everyone understands the plan. Essential items include:
A weather alert system (such as a NOAA Weather Radio or phone with alerts turned on).
Flashlights with extra batteries for use during power outages.
A 3-day supply of food and water per person.
A first aid kit, prescription medications, and basic hygiene items.
Copies of important documents sealed in waterproof containers.
Sturdy shoes to protect against debris if evacuation is necessary.
Emergency contact information and a communication plan.
Pet care items for households with animals.
Practicing what to do before a storm strikes is just as important as having the right supplies. Families should review their plans at least once a year, ideally at the start of storm season.
Resources for More Information
Clinton County EMA provides several preparedness resources online to help residents prepare for severe weather. The following blog posts offer additional guidance:
Summary
Severe weather is a reality in Clinton County each spring, particularly in May. Recognizing the historical trends, understanding your personal risk, and preparing your home and family can significantly reduce the danger.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. And make time now—before the next storm is on the radar.
For more local updates, visit www.cc-ema.org or follow Clinton County EMA on Facebook.