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Severe Thunderstorm Warning across Northeast Ohio Thursday night

Multiple counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Cleveland forecast from the Power of 5 weather team

By: News 5 Staff

Posted at 11:23 AM, Jan 19, 2023

and last updated 2023-01-19 19:03:27-05

Be prepared for severe weather tonight!

Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson provides updates on the latest models Thursday night:

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the following counties until 7:45 p.m.

Cuyahoga
Lake
Geauga

There's a risk for damaging winds, heavy rain and there is a possibility of a weak, isolated tornado. Scattered damaging winds is the main threat with isolated significant gusts up to 80 mph. Isolated, large hail will be possible, especially in our western communities.

REMEMBER: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Anyone in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and keep an eye out for updated weather statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can, and occasionally do, produce tornadoes.

DAMAGING WIND THREAT: All of our communities have the potential for damaging wind gusts, but the greatest potential is in Richland, Ashland, Holmes and Coshocton counties.

TORNADO THREAT: Includes many of our communities - especially to the south of Cleveland. This is a low risk, but clearly not zero. Have your severe weather plan in place!

HAIL THREAT: Hail is not as likely compared to the wind threat. It is most likely in western Ohio.

A warm front has lifted through the area and increased temperatures into the 50s this afternoon and moisture is increasing as well. A cold front will approach from the west late Thursday afternoon, spreading in a line of strong to severe thunderstorms. Some of the storms could contain damaging winds, especially west of Interstate 71.

Storms look to weaken as the line of storms extend east. The best chance for severe weather is from 5 to 9 p.m. The line of storms will move through the region quickly this evening. Scroll through the images of Futurecast to get an idea about the timing of storms.

Following the cold front, temperatures will get much colder by tonight with lows in the 30s and there is little increase expected tomorrow. Rain will transition to snow tonight/tomorrow. Scattered snow will continue throughout the day on Friday, but accumulation looks to be minor. Plan for a trace to 2 inches for most of the viewing area by Saturday morning.