Columbus, Ohio – A large swath of Ohio faces an escalating severe weather threat through midnight, with storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail expected to intensify during the evening commute and into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 73 remains in effect until 12 a.m. for more than 50 counties, including Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, Lucas, Stark, and Delaware counties. The watch covers major metro areas such as Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and surrounding communities.
Storms are expected to organize into a line and push eastward across key travel corridors including I-70, I-71, and I-75. Wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, strong enough to down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages. Isolated hail is also possible, especially with earlier storm development.
Communities from Lima and Findlay south to Portsmouth and Athens should prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Drivers are urged to avoid travel during heavy downpours and never drive through flooded roadways. Residents should secure outdoor items and ensure phones and weather alerts are active.
The threat remains highest through late evening, with conditions expected to gradually weaken after midnight as storms exit the region. Additional warnings may be issued as storms develop.
