Columbus, Ohio – Drivers across central Ohio could see visibility drop below one mile and wind gusts top 60 mph along I-70 and I-71 beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday as strong to severe thunderstorms push into the region during the afternoon commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, showers and thunderstorms will develop and move across Ohio between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday. Much of the Columbus metro, including Franklin, Delaware and Fairfield counties, sits in a Level 2 severe risk zone, signaling scattered severe storms capable of damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes.
The greatest impacts are expected along heavily traveled corridors including I-270, U.S. 33 and Route 315, where sudden downpours could cause ponding on ramps and low-lying stretches. Brief but intense rainfall may overwhelm storm drains, especially during peak traffic hours. Wind gusts may snap tree limbs and lead to isolated power outages in neighborhoods from Dublin and Westerville to Grove City and Reynoldsburg.
Farther south toward Chillicothe and east toward Lancaster, localized heavy rainfall could produce quick runoff in poor drainage areas. Commuters should allow extra travel time and avoid driving through water-covered roadways.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items before early afternoon, enable weather alerts on mobile devices and identify a safe interior room in case warnings are issued. Schools and businesses should review shelter plans ahead of the 2 p.m. arrival window.
Storms are expected to exit the area by 10 p.m., but additional advisories could be issued if cells intensify during peak heating Thursday.
