The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the Ohio Valley this evening, and the broader region remains under an active multiday storm threat through Thursday. In eastern Ohio, warnings covered Carroll, Columbiana and northwestern Jefferson counties until 7:30 p.m., with the storm capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph strong enough to damage roofs, siding and trees. Meanwhile in Columbus, forecasters expect one of the year’s final 90 degree days Today before storms move in overnight and continue into Thursday.
Why is this storm system covering such a wide area
This is not an isolated local system. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center placed a broad corridor stretching from eastern Ohio into western New York under a level 2 out of 5 slight risk for severe thunderstorms Today, part of a slow moving cold front dragging down from a surface low over northern Ontario. That same front is expected to push into the middle Ohio Valley through Thursday, keeping places like Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Columbus in the path of repeated rounds of storms rather than a single quick moving line. Forecasters say the main threats are damaging straight line winds and heavy rain, with an isolated chance of hail.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for the Ohio Valley. https://t.co/QZYbZdZKuCpic.twitter.com/AAoRuWWSLx…