Akron, Ohio – Strong thunderstorms sweeping across Ohio and West Virginia Monday evening could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail, and even isolated tornadoes to several counties, with threats continuing through 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for much of central and eastern Ohio, including Licking, Stark, Summit, and Muskingum counties, and the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, including Wheeling and Weirton. The primary hazards include wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter. A couple of tornadoes are also possible.
In Ohio, cities like Akron, Canton, Zanesville, and Mount Vernon are in the storm’s path. Residents should stay indoors, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel. The watch area covers over 2.9 million people and includes more than 1,000 schools and 60 hospitals. I-70, I-77, and I-76 are among the major roadways potentially affected by these fast-moving storms.
In West Virginia, the threat centers on Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio counties, where emergency managers are monitoring for rapid intensification as storms track northward.
Warnings remain possible throughout the evening. Residents are urged to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates.
