Cincinnati, Ohio – A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms could snap trees and trigger scattered power outages across the Ohio Valley before 8 p.m. Wednesday, putting evening travel at risk across five states.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 85 covers parts of Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, southwest Pennsylvania, and far southwest Virginia until 8 p.m. Forecasters warn storms may produce wind gusts up to 60 mph, frequent lightning, and intense bursts of rain capable of dropping visibility below one mile in minutes.
The most widespread impacts are expected along major corridors including I-71, I-75, I-64, and I-79. Cities such as Cincinnati, Huntington, Charleston, and Morgantown could see sudden downpours and debris on roadways, while eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia face a higher risk of falling trees due to saturated ground. In Pennsylvania, Fayette and Washington counties may see localized outages as storms push northeast.
Residents should secure outdoor objects, charge essential devices, and avoid non-essential travel during active storms. Utility crews across the region are on alert for scattered outages.
Storm intensity is expected to diminish after 8 p.m., though additional watches or warnings could be issued if new development continues into the night.
