Lima, OH – Residents across northwest Ohio should prepare for the potential for severe weather this afternoon and evening as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 493 includes Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Williams counties.
Communities within the watch include Lima, Defiance, Wauseon, Napoleon, Van Wert, Bryan, Paulding, Ottawa, Archbold, Swanton, Delta, Liberty Center, Hicksville, Payne, Continental, Columbus Grove, Leipsic, Pandora, and surrounding areas.
Forecasters say atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning, and torrential rainfall. Localized flooding of low-lying areas and hazardous travel conditions may also occur during the strongest storms.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means severe storms are possible, but not yet occurring everywhere within the watch area. Residents should continue to monitor weather updates throughout the afternoon and be prepared to move indoors immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for their location.
Those with outdoor plans should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be ready to seek sturdy shelter if storms develop.
The watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT, unless canceled earlier by the National Weather Service.
