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SEVERE RISK: Widespread rain and a few strong to severe storms possible this evening

We are well into the spring storm season and Northeast Ohio has another chance for strong to severe storms on Thursday.

By: Katie McGraw

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and last updated

CLEVELAND — We are well into the spring storm season and Northeast Ohio has another chance for strong to severe storms Thursday.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: There is still a risk for severe weather across all of Northeast Ohio for Thursday. However, this afternoon, the Storm Prediction Center lowered the risk for about half of the area. About half of the viewing area - mainly to the south and west is still in the 2/5 risk level. This is known as a slight risk for severe weather and means that scattered severe storms are expected in the yellow area. The area in green is a marginal risk for severe weather and is a level 1/5 and includes Cleveland, Akron and Canton. This shows there is a better chance to experience severe weather from to the south and west of Cleveland including Medina, Wooster, Mansfield, Ashland and Norwalk.

The main threat for severe weather on Thursday will be damaging straight-line winds. Slow-moving storms with repeated rounds of heavy rain could lead to flooding. Additionally, lightning, hail and isolated tornadoes will also be possible.

Storm chances will increase during the afternoon and continue into Thursday night. Plan for scattered storms after 2 p.m. with increasing coverage after 5 - 7 pm. The best chance for any strong or severe storms will be from 5 - 9 pm with widespread rain and a few storms Thursday night and into Friday morning. Coverage will decreasing on Friday, but hit or miss storms are still possible with the main threat being heavy rain which could lead to flooding.

Be sure to check in with the Power of 5 Weather Team Thursday evening and have a way to receive warnings if and when storms become severe. You can also check back to this article. We will continue to update this information as needed. Stay safe!