CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Forecasters are tracking the potential for strong to severe storms across southern Ohio on Thursday as a cold front moves into the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop along and behind the front Thursday night, with some storms potentially becoming severe.
The primary threats include damaging wind gusts, which could bring down trees and power lines, along with large hail in stronger storms.
In addition to severe weather risks, locally heavy rainfall is also possible. Forecasters warn that repeated storms moving over the same areas could lead to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
Current outlooks place much of central and southern Ohio under a risk area for severe weather, with a broader zone also highlighted for excessive rainfall potential.
Timing for the strongest storms is expected Thursday evening into the overnight hours, as the cold front pushes through the region.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially as storms move in after dark.