Cleveland, OH – A strong line of thunderstorms is expected to sweep through Northern Ohio and into Western Pennsylvania beginning tonight, bringing threats of damaging wind gusts, large hail, and the possibility of a few tornadoes.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland warns that storms will begin moving into the Toledo area around 8 p.m. Wednesday and continue eastward through the overnight hours. According to the agency, the most intense weather will arrive near the I-71 corridor, including cities such as Cleveland, Akron, and Canton, between midnight and 2 a.m. Thursday. Areas further east, including Youngstown and Meadville, Pennsylvania, should prepare for storm activity between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
The severe weather risk is part of a larger system pushing through ahead of a cold front. The NWS has placed much of Northern Ohio and parts of Western Pennsylvania under a “Slight Risk” or “Enhanced Risk” for severe thunderstorms. The primary concerns are damaging wind gusts, with speeds potentially reaching severe levels, as well as hail up to the size of quarters. While not the primary threat, a few isolated tornadoes remain possible across the region.
Officials urge residents to remain weather aware throughout the night and have multiple methods to receive weather alerts, particularly during overnight hours when many are asleep.
Storm intensity is expected to gradually decrease as the system continues eastward early Thursday morning.
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