Columbus, Ohio – More than 40 counties across Ohio and western Pennsylvania are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 7 p.m. Friday as dangerous storms build across the region, bringing threats of damaging winds, large hail, and intense lightning.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 210 covers central to northeast Ohio—including Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Akron—as well as western Pennsylvania counties from Erie to Butler and Beaver. Storms are expected to strengthen throughout the afternoon with gusts over 60 mph possible.
In Ohio, counties like Franklin, Cuyahoga, Greene, and Montgomery are bracing for fast-moving cells that could disrupt travel along I-70, I-71, and I-75 corridors. In Pennsylvania, the watch includes the Pittsburgh suburbs, where earlier rainfall may compound flooding concerns in low-lying areas.
Drivers should delay travel if possible, secure outdoor objects, and stay weather-aware with mobile alerts active. Emergency officials urge residents to move indoors at the first sign of thunder and avoid touching wired electronics during storms.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m., but additional watches or warnings could be issued later this evening as the system continues to push eastward.
