Severe Storms Erupt Across Ohio Valley

Rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are expected today across much of the Ohio Valley and into parts of the Mid-Atlantic. 

A vigorous disturbance will track across Illinois and southern Michigan into parts of Pennsylvania and northern Maryland today and tonight causing rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the thunderstorms will produce heavy downpours, damaging wind gusts up to 60 to 70 mph, hail and even tornadoes. Travel delays will be likely across this part of the country, especially this afternoon and evening. 

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for northern Illinois, northern Indiana, far southern Michigan, Ohio, much of Pennsylvania, northern parts of West Virginia and northern Maryland. Cities under this risk include Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh and State College, Pa. and Baltimore.  

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana early this morning.

A second Slight Risk area has been issued across parts of South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa for later this afternoon and evening. Primary risks from thunderstorms will include torrential downpours, damaging wind gusts up to 60 to 70 mph, hail and even tornadoes. 

Another feature is expected to cause more severe thunderstorms on Tuesday across the Ohio Valley and even into parts of the Appalachians. More travel delays will be likely due to the active weather pattern expected. 

Be sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that the conditions are in place to possibly produce severe weather conditions, while a warning indicates that those conditions are currently occurring. Be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings, as storms will be occurring late tonight. Also, take caution if you are outdoors during a thunderstorm. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”