COLUMBUS, Ohio — It's been a long and hot week of weather alert days in central Ohio, and now we are adding one more weather alert day to Sunday as we wrap it up. The difference this time is that it's for possible severe weather as we head into the back half of the weekend. 

Here's what to know as we head into Sunday:

The threats:

A cold front is expected to sweep through Ohio as we head through the day on Sunday, bringing with it rain, storms and an end to our heat wave. With this change, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted our region to be at risk for severe weather from the passing system. 

Storms that form could bring with them possible strong damaging winds and hail as their main risks. Heavy potential flooding rain is a concern, but this threat will be limited. An isolated tornado or two also cannot be ruled out, however this risk factor is small. 

The area with the highest risk for severe weather will be from Columbus to the southeastern part of the state. 

The timeline:

Storms and some showers will be possible as soon as Sunday morning, but most of these storms will be pretty run-of-the-mill. The bigger concern for severe weather will not develop until the afternoon and evening hours when we reach the peak heating for the day. 

As we head past the midday and into the afternoon, increased heat and humidity will start to fuel stronger storms. This is when we could see some storms start to develop strong to severe winds and possible hail. Heavy downpours will also be a possibility during the afternoon. 

These storms will start to reach their peak intensity as we head into the late afternoon and evening. The highest risk for strong to severe storms will be on the southeastern side of the 10TV viewing area. 

It is possible during this time frame we could see a small risk of an isolated tornado joining the wind, hail and rain threat. We will be monitoring these storms closely throughout the afternoon. 

After the storms:

After the storms, temperatures will be cooler to start the week with less humidity as well. This won't last too long, however, as more heat and humidity returns Tuesday, but the week will see another cooldown by Thursday. 

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Doppler 10 Weather Resources  

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DOPPLER 10 SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY GUIDE

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WATCHES & WARNINGS

Watch
A Watch indicates the possibility of severe weather in a relatively broad area. For instance, a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Go about your normal routines, but watch for threatening weather.

Warning
A Warning is issued when severe weather is actually occurring. For instance, a tornado warning means a tornado has actually been sighted or has been indicated by radar. The warning usually encompasses a relatively small geographic area. If a warning is issued for the area in which you live, take cover immediately!

TORNADOES AREN'T THE ONLY REASON TO STAY ALERT

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.

Lightning
Lightning claims more lives every year than tornadoes. When lightning is a threat, stay indoors and don't use electrical appliances. If you're caught outside, keep a safe distance from tall objects, and try to stay lower than anything nearby. A safe distance from a tree is twice its height.

TAKING COVER 

Storms producing tornadoes in Ohio often approach from the southwest. They can travel at speeds up to 70 miles per hour and contain winds estimated at over 200 miles per hour.

Sometimes an approaching tornado will sound like the roar of a train or airplane. If you see or hear a tornado, take cover immediately. Seek shelter inside, preferably below ground level. Do not waste time opening windows; tornado-force winds will "open" the windows well before the pressure difference can cause any structural damage. Above all, protect your head and lie flat.

At Home
Get away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the basement. If you have no basement, go to a first floor bathroom, closet or room at the center of the house. If possible, get under heavy furniture and cover your head with blankets or pillows.

At School
Go to the lowest floor or basement. Go to small interior rooms or hallways. Stay away from windows and avoid auditoriums, gyms and other areas with wide, free-span roofs.

In Public Buildings
Go immediately to the designated shelter area or to an interior hallway or small room on the lowest level. Stay away from windows. Do not use elevators. Do not go to your car.

During tornado drills or actual tornado warnings, remember to DUCK

D – Go DOWN to the lowest level, stay away from windows
U – Get UNDER something (such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk)
C – COVER your head
K – KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed