Wilmington, Ohio – A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep south across central and southern Ohio this evening, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts, torrential rainfall and isolated severe weather. While isolated storms may develop earlier in the afternoon, the most organized and potentially dangerous storms are expected this evening as a cold front pushes through the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the line of storms will move from north to south, reaching Celina, Kenton and Sidney around 6 p.m. The storms are expected to reach Marysville, Columbus, Dayton and Newark between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., before continuing into Wilmington, Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Logan, Portsmouth and surrounding communities between 10 p.m. and midnight. The southernmost counties near the Ohio River may not see storms until around midnight or shortly after.
The strongest storms could produce damaging straight-line wind gusts, frequent lightning and torrential downpours that may reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions. Localized flooding is also possible where heavy rain falls over a short period.
Motorists traveling on Interstates 70, 71, 75 and 270, along with major routes through Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati, should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions during the evening.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects, charge electronic devices before storms arrive and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows until the storms pass.
The severe weather threat will gradually shift south and diminish after midnight as the cold front exits the region, but additional warnings may be issued as storms strengthen this evening.
