Columbus, OH – Millions of residents across Ohio, western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch Sunday afternoon as forecasters warn conditions are favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and hail.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 333 remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Sunday, June 14, covering a large portion of the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians.
The watch includes nearly all of Ohio, 17 counties in western Pennsylvania and 26 counties in West Virginia. Major population centers under the watch include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Pittsburgh, Erie, Morgantown, Wheeling, Parkersburg and surrounding communities.
Meteorologists say a warm, humid air mass combined with an approaching weather disturbance will support the development of scattered severe thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and evening.
The primary threat is damaging straight-line winds that could exceed 60 mph, potentially bringing down trees and power lines while causing scattered power outages. Large hail is also possible in the strongest storms, along with dangerous lightning and brief periods of torrential rainfall.
Localized flooding may occur where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage locations.
Residents planning outdoor activities are urged to closely monitor weather conditions and be prepared to move indoors quickly if storms approach. Officials recommend having multiple ways to receive warnings, especially for those attending outdoor events or traveling.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. It does not mean severe weather is occurring everywhere within the watch area, but residents should remain prepared for rapidly changing conditions and possible warnings later today.
Forecasters expect the storm threat to continue through the evening before gradually diminishing overnight.
