Wilmington, OH – More than 12.6 million people across parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. EDT Saturday, as forecasters warn that storms are expected to intensify later this afternoon and into the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, scattered thunderstorms have already developed across the region. While the early storms are generally not expected to be severe, they are capable of producing brief heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Forecasters say the primary severe weather threat will develop later today as a cold front pushes south through the region. The watch includes portions of northern and eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, including areas near Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Erie, and Pittsburgh.
The Storm Prediction Center says the watch carries the following threats:
- Wind gusts up to 70 mph
- Isolated hail up to ping-pong ball size
- A couple of tornadoes possible
The watch covers an estimated 12,659,037 people, along with more than 4,000 schools and 283 hospitals, highlighting the broad area that could experience severe weather before the watch expires.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts throughout the afternoon and evening, secure loose outdoor items, and be prepared to move indoors quickly if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Travel may become hazardous during stronger storms due to torrential rain, damaging wind gusts, and reduced visibility.
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor conditions as the cold front moves across the region tonight.
