Columbus, Ohio – Drivers along I-70 and I-71 could face sudden wind gusts up to 70 mph and near-zero visibility as strong thunderstorms push across central and southern Ohio through midnight tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 12 a.m. Monday for a large portion of Ohio, including Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Lancaster, Chillicothe and Portsmouth. Forecasters warn that a couple of tornadoes are possible, along with scattered hail reaching up to 2 inches in diameter.
The highest risk stretches from the Dayton metro east through Columbus and into southeastern Ohio, where storms could intensify quickly during the evening hours. Wind damage may snap tree limbs and down power lines, creating outage risks for thousands of residents. In urban corridors like Franklin and Montgomery counties, sudden downpours could also flood low-lying roads.
Travel may become hazardous with fast-changing conditions, especially along I-75 near Dayton and I-71 between Cincinnati and Columbus. Officials urge residents to secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid non-essential travel during active storms.
This system will continue tracking east overnight, with additional warnings possible if storms strengthen. The severe threat is expected to ease after midnight, but isolated impacts could linger into early Monday morning.
