Portsmouth, Ohio – Drivers along U.S. 52 and communities near the Ohio River face sudden storm disruptions through the evening commute as strong thunderstorms threaten wind gusts up to 60 mph and cloud-to-ground lightning before 8 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 85 remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT for parts of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, including Scioto, Adams, Pike, and Brown counties in Ohio, and Mason, Grant, and Pendleton counties in Kentucky. The watch signals conditions are favorable for damaging winds, isolated hail, and intense rainfall capable of reducing visibility below a half mile.
Cities including Portsmouth, Maysville, Georgetown, and Ripley could see storms develop rapidly, especially along river-adjacent routes like U.S. 23 and Kentucky Route 9. Rural areas such as West Union, Vanceburg, and Tollesboro may experience brief power outages if wind gusts knock down tree limbs. Emergency managers urge residents to secure loose outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during active storms.
The evening commute could be impacted quickly as storms track east, with lightning posing a risk to outdoor activities and sporting events across the region.
Storm threats are expected to taper after 8 p.m., but additional alerts could be issued if new cells develop into the night.
