Cleveland, Ohio – A line of strong thunderstorms is pushing eastward through Northwest Ohio Wednesday night, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and the threat of damaging wind gusts and hail.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, storms began developing ahead of a squall line approaching the western counties around 8:35 p.m. These storms are embedded with pockets of stronger activity capable of producing isolated wind damage and large hail. Rainfall rates are high enough to cause minor flooding in low-lying areas, especially near Lima, Findlay, and Bowling Green.
Drivers along I-75 and U.S. Route 30 should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, including brief whiteout rain, pooling water, and possible downed limbs. Power outages are also possible if gusts exceed 50 mph. Storms are expected to weaken slowly overnight as they shift east toward Akron and Canton after 10 p.m.
Residents should stay weather-aware and avoid travel in high-impact zones if possible. Lightning will remain a hazard even after the heaviest rain subsides.
Showers could linger into early Thursday, with another round of storms possible later in the day.
