Toledo, Ohio – Strong to severe thunderstorms could strike northwest Ohio Thursday evening, bringing a risk of damaging winds and large hail as storms move through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, the Storm Prediction Center has placed most of northwest Ohio under a slight severe storm risk — a level 2 out of 5 — beginning Thursday evening and continuing overnight. Forecasters say all modes of severe weather are possible, with the main threats being wind gusts over 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters or larger.
Cities like Toledo, Bowling Green, and Findlay are most likely to experience the strongest storms between 6 p.m. and midnight. The risk of an isolated tornado remains low but cannot be ruled out entirely. Farther east into northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania, the severe potential lessens as storms weaken overnight.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, keep devices charged, and stay weather-aware Thursday evening. Local emergency officials may issue warnings with little notice if storms intensify quickly.
The severe weather risk is expected to diminish after midnight, but additional alerts may be issued if storm conditions evolve.
