Columbus, Ohio – Scattered thunderstorms are advancing across Ohio this evening, bringing heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds to much of the state through early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service, storms will spread from west to east, affecting cities including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. The strongest cells could deliver downpours of over an inch per hour, with small hail possible along the I-71 corridor and in areas north of Dayton.
Roadways around Akron, Toledo, and Mansfield may become slick quickly, increasing the risk of spinouts and hydroplaning, especially during the evening commute. Utility crews are monitoring for scattered outages as gusty winds and lightning threaten tree limbs and power lines.
Residents should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions, avoid flooded roadways, and charge devices ahead of possible outages. Emergency officials recommend limiting non-essential travel during the height of the storms.
Storms will gradually diminish after midnight, but light showers could linger into Saturday morning. Additional warnings may be issued if conditions worsen, so stay tuned for the latest advisories.
