Columbus, Ohio – Parts of southeastern Ohio face a slight risk for severe thunderstorms through 8 p.m. Friday, with damaging winds and localized flooding possible along the Ohio River Valley corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, areas under a Level 2 “slight risk” include Cambridge, Marietta, Zanesville, and Wheeling, West Virginia. Storms are expected to develop between 2 and 8 p.m., bringing the potential for wind gusts over 50 mph, large hail, and isolated power outages.
The greatest threat spans Interstate 70 east of Columbus and stretches southward to U.S. Route 50 near Athens and Parkersburg. Communities in the Level 1 “marginal risk” zone — including Akron, Canton, and Youngstown — could still see thunderstorms, but with a lower chance of severe impacts.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, monitor local alerts, and prepare for possible tree damage or short-term power disruptions. Those in mobile homes or flood-prone areas should have alternate shelter plans.
Storm coverage remains uncertain and may be limited in some spots, but new alerts could be issued if conditions worsen. The Storm Prediction Center recommends staying weather-aware throughout the evening.
