Columbus, Ohio – Strong thunderstorms could slam eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia with 60 mph winds and quarter-sized hail through 10 p.m. Monday, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch across more than 50 counties.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Watch 401 went into effect at 2:45 p.m. EDT and includes major population centers like Columbus, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown in Ohio, as well as Wheeling and Parkersburg in West Virginia. The main threats include wind damage, frequent lightning, and isolated hail reports.
Counties under the watch stretch from Franklin and Summit in Ohio to Hancock and Wood in West Virginia. Residents along I-70 and I-77 should prepare for sudden downpours and dangerous driving conditions into the evening commute.
Emergency officials urge residents to secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and stay indoors during warnings. Power outages are possible, especially in tree-lined rural counties such as Gallia, Perry, and Upshur.
This line of storms is part of a larger system tracking eastward, bringing repeated rounds of severe weather similar to late June 2022.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m., with additional warnings possible later tonight if storms continue to intensify.
