Columbus, OH – A widespread severe weather event is expected across much of Ohio Sunday evening, with damaging winds and thunderstorms forecast between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, OH, storms will move west to east across the state, bringing the greatest risk of severe wind gusts to cities including Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Wilmington. The Storm Prediction Center outlines a significant risk for severe winds within 25 miles of affected areas, with some regions under a 45% or higher probability.
The primary hazard will be damaging straight-line winds, though forecasters also warned that isolated tornadoes and large hail remain possible. Affected areas span central and southern Ohio, with enhanced risks reaching into eastern portions of the state including Newark, Chillicothe, and Portsmouth.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, monitor local alerts, and prepare for possible power outages. Drivers should avoid travel during peak storm hours when visibility and road conditions may deteriorate rapidly.
The severe weather threat is expected to taper off by 8 a.m. Monday. This system marks one of the stronger wind events of the season so far, prompting increased awareness across emergency management teams statewide.
