CLEVELAND — Sweltering heat and humidity are fueling afternoon and evening storms. A line of severe storms will develop in Western Ohio by mid-afternoon and slide east reaching Greater Cleveland and Akron between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. tonight.
10 P.M.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been extended for Ashtabula County until 11:15 p.m.
9 P.M.
The following counties are under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 9:45 p.m.:
- Ashtabula County.
- Portage County.
- Lake County.
- Geauga County.
8:20 P.M.
A portion of the State Theater in Sandusky has collapsed during strong storms sweeping through Northeast Ohio. More here.
7:30 P.M.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Holmes, Medina and Wayne counties until 8:15 p.m.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Cuyahoga and Lorain counties until 8:30 p.m.
7 P.M.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Lorain, Medina, Huron, Erie, and Ashland counties until 7:45 p.m.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Tuscarawas and Carroll counties until 1 a.m.
Watch Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson below:
6:25 PM
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued in Richland County until 7:30 p.m. At 6:25 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Galion to Chesterville to 6 miles west of Sparta, moving northeast at 40 mph, according to the NWS. Hazards including 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail are possible.
"Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings," the NWS states. They recommend those in the impact area move to an interior room on the lowest flood of a building.
6:02 PM
A Marine Warning has been issued for Erie County until 7 p.m.
3:00 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch from 2:50 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday for the following counties in Northeast Ohio: Lorain, Erie, Holmes, Cuyahoga, Medina, Richland, Huron, Ashland, and Wayne counties.
2:30 PM
Power of 5 meteorologist Remeisha Shade gives update on afternoon storms. Watch it live in the media player below:
The risk
There’s a moderate risk for severe storms with damaging wind gusts over 70 mph being the main threat. Large hail possible and frequent lightning are likely. A rule of thumb: all thunderstorms have lightning, so if you hear thunder, you’re close enough to get struck by lightning.
Time-frame and impact of severe storms
The time frame for these storms is from 6 p.m. tonight until about midnight. Expect storms to start building from 3-6 p.m. with the time frame for widespread damaging storms between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Isolated weak tornadoes are also possible, especially areas west of Cleveland and Akron.
Heavy rain may cause brief flash flooding. Large hail and frequent lightning can also be expected. Storms will quickly slide east and weaken after 9 p.m. tonight.
How to prepare
Residents should prepare for severe weather this evening. Downed trees and power outages are possible. Secure outdoor furniture. Protect vehicles by moving them under a covered area, if possible. Prepare for high water in spots that flood easily.
Summer heat
Wednesday’s temperatures will be a couple of degrees cooler, but the extra humidity will make it feel even hotter today. The heat index for today is in the upper 90s.
Click here to view our interactive radar.
Read and watch the latest Power of 5 forecast here.
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