Cleveland, OH – Nearly all of northern and eastern Ohio is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. EDT Saturday, as forecasters warn that storms developing this afternoon and evening could become severe.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 492 covers 39 counties across northern, northeastern, east-central, and portions of central Ohio.
Major cities included in the watch are Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Lorain, Elyria, Sandusky, Mansfield, Marion, Findlay, Ashtabula, Warren, Medina, Wooster, Port Clinton, Bowling Green, and Zanesville.
Forecasters say the strongest storms may produce damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail up to ping-pong ball size, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and torrential rainfall. The Storm Prediction Center also notes that a couple of tornadoes are possible within the watch area.
Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding on roads and reduced visibility, creating hazardous travel conditions during the evening commute and outdoor events.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. It does not mean severe weather is occurring everywhere in the watch area. Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts throughout the afternoon and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued.
The watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. EDT, though additional warnings may be issued as storms develop and move across the region.
