Cleveland, Ohio — A tornado watch covering parts of four states remains in effect until 8 p.m., bringing the potential for severe storms across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, Tornado Watch #25 was issued Saturday afternoon for portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia, where atmospheric conditions may support the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.
Forecasters said a few tornadoes are possible, along with isolated hail up to ping-pong-ball size and scattered wind gusts reaching 70 mph.
The watch area includes a broad corridor across northeast and eastern Ohio, western and central Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and parts of western New York, including cities such as Cleveland, Akron, Pittsburgh, Erie, Wheeling and Morgantown.
The National Weather Service estimates the watch area includes more than 6.5 million people, along with 2,265 schools and 173 hospitals within the potential impact zone.
However, forecasters said the most intense storms may move out of portions of northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania within the next one to two hours, potentially reducing the threat there earlier than other areas within the watch.
A tornado watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop. It does not mean a tornado is occurring but signals residents should stay alert for warnings.
Officials advise residents to monitor weather alerts, review shelter plans, and be prepared to move indoors quickly if warnings are issued. Severe thunderstorms in the region may also produce brief power outages, downed tree limbs, and hazardous travel conditions.
Weekend events, evening commutes, and activities involving students or young workers could be affected if storms intensify later in the day.
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