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 National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Columbus and central Ohio as showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in just before midnight Wednesday night and continue into early Thursday morning.

A Tornado Watch is in effect for eastern Kentucky until 11 PM.  Showers and thunderstorms will continue to move across east and southeast Kentucky through the night with

CNN’s Ryan Young reports from the middle of the destruction after powerful tornadoes tore through the central US. The storms ripped homes into unrecognizable shreds and tossed vehicles like toys. Arkansas,

Staying informed about the forecast and knowing what to do before and during an event saves lives. Here are some things you need to know to stay safe.

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday in Chicago, with the possibility of severe conditions at night. The day starts with morning downpours and hail, which could affect the morning commute. Temperatures reach the upper 60s, near 70 degrees, with gusty winds outside of storms.

Several Illinois counties are under a tornado watch as a storm moves northward through the state.

When a warning is issued, take action. This means tornado conditions are imminent and have been spotted either by someone on the ground or by radar. Warning areas are typically smaller than those within a watch and are issued for a shorter time period, typically about 15 minutes.