Columbus, Ohio – A second wave of storms is pushing through eastern Ohio Monday afternoon, bringing strong winds, lightning, and the potential for minor hail damage as it moves northeast toward the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, the most intense period of activity is expected through 4:30 p.m., with storms continuing to affect the region until 5 p.m. The main threats include wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph, with some peaks near 60 mph, which could snap tree limbs and bring down power lines.
Communities from Zanesville to New Philadelphia and Wheeling are in the path of the strongest cells, with storms tracking toward Cambridge, Carrollton, and Steubenville. Drivers are urged to use caution on I-70 and Route 22, where sudden gusts and downpours may reduce visibility.
Although hail is likely to remain under 1 inch in diameter, cloud-to-ground lightning remains a hazard. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and be prepared for sporadic outages.
Storms are expected to weaken after 5 p.m., but additional weather updates and watches may follow if conditions persist.
