Cleveland, Ohio – Nearly 10 million people across the Great Lakes region are under a Tornado Watch through 11 p.m. tonight, with severe storms expected to intensify quickly during the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, Tornado Watch 75 includes a large portion of Ohio and extends into western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. Cities under the watch include Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, Youngstown, and Pittsburgh, covering major corridors like I-71, I-76, and I-80.
Storms developing late this afternoon will bring the potential for a couple of tornadoes, wind gusts up to 80 mph, and scattered hail up to 2 inches in diameter. The greatest risk is expected through late evening as storms organize and move east across the region.
The watch area includes more than 9.6 million residents, along with thousands of schools and critical infrastructure sites, increasing the urgency of preparedness.
Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive warnings and be ready to take shelter immediately if a warning is issued. Travel could become hazardous with sudden downpours and rapidly changing conditions.
The tornado threat will continue through 11 p.m., with additional warnings likely as storms track across Ohio into Pennsylvania tonight.
