Defiance, Ohio – A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms is sweeping across parts of northeastern Indiana and northwest Ohio Tuesday afternoon, bringing the threat of damaging winds capable of knocking down trees and power lines.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday for Allen County in Indiana and Defiance and Paulding counties in Ohio. Radar shows a line of storms extending from near Bryan to Paulding, moving east at around 50 mph.
Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, strong enough to break tree limbs and cause localized damage to homes and buildings. Cities and towns under the warning include Defiance, Hicksville, Paulding, Antwerp, Payne, Ney, Melrose, Haviland, and Woodburn.
Motorists along U.S. 24, State Route 66, and rural county roads may encounter sudden downpours and powerful crosswinds as the storm line moves through the region. Visibility may drop quickly during the heaviest rain.
Residents should seek shelter indoors, stay away from windows, and avoid unnecessary travel while the storm passes. Charging mobile devices and preparing for brief power outages is also recommended.
Weather officials say the strongest storms should clear northwest Ohio by late afternoon, but additional updates or warnings could be issued if more storms develop across the region later Tuesday.
