Wilmington, Ohio – Wind gusts up to 45 mph will strengthen through midday Friday, creating hazardous crosswinds on I-71, I-75, and other north-south roadways through 6 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, winds out of the west to southwest will increase steadily through the late morning and peak during the afternoon hours. Gusts between 30 and 45 mph are expected across central and southwest Ohio, including Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati.
High-profile vehicles face the greatest risk.
Drivers on I-71 between Columbus and Wilmington and along I-75 from Dayton to Cincinnati should prepare for sudden crosswinds, especially on elevated bridges and open stretches of highway. Gusts may also impact US-68, US-35, and I-70, where unsecured debris could blow into roadways.
Localized power outages are possible if gusts down small limbs, particularly in areas with saturated soil. Crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation are monitoring conditions, but no widespread road closures are anticipated at this time.
Motorists should keep both hands on the wheel, reduce speed on exposed roads, and secure loose outdoor items immediately.
Winds will gradually ease after sunset Friday, with speeds dropping below 20 mph overnight. Cooler air settles in this weekend, though no significant precipitation is expected through Sunday. No Wind Advisory is currently posted, but breezy conditions will persist through late Friday afternoon before improving by evening.
