Defiance, Ohio – Damaging wind gusts are threatening parts of northwest Ohio Tuesday afternoon as a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms sweeps through Defiance and Paulding counties with the potential to knock down trees and power lines.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday for Defiance and Paulding counties. Radar shows a line of storms stretching from near Bryan to Paulding moving east at nearly 50 mph, capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Communities including Defiance, Hicksville, Paulding, Antwerp, Payne, Ney, Melrose, Haviland, and Cecil are in the path of the strongest storms. The rapid movement of the line means conditions could change quickly as the storms pass.
Strong wind gusts may snap tree limbs and cause localized damage to roofs, siding, and power infrastructure. Brief heavy rain could also reduce visibility for drivers traveling along U.S. 24, State Route 49, and State Route 66 during the height of the storm.
Residents are urged to move indoors and stay away from windows until the storms clear the area. Securing loose outdoor items and preparing for isolated power outages can help reduce risk during the strongest winds.
Officials encourage residents to report hail, wind damage, or downed trees through local law enforcement so those reports can be shared with the National Weather Service.
The storms are expected to move out of northwest Ohio by late afternoon Tuesday, though additional weather advisories could be issued if new storms develop later in the day.
