Severe Weather Update

Likelihood Increasing

        The likelihood of a significant severe weather outbreak is increasing today!! The Storm Prediction Center has informed us that they will be updating the risk area to HIGH RISK for parts of Eastern Iowa, Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana and Northwestern Ohio. This may not include Central Ohio at the moment but this is a very significant increase  and a sign that the SPC has increased confidence in the event. I would not be surprised to see the HIGH RISK expanded later on today to include Central Ohio as we will become extremely unstable.

         To put this in perspective, this is the first time all year that the SPC has issued a HIGH RISK category. This will be a wind driven HIGH RISK meaning that the main threat will be damaging and destructive winds (possibly as high as 80-90mph), however, large tornadoes will be possible, mainly in Illinois, and very large hail will also be possible, though not as likely.

THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION AND COULD IMPACT OUR AREA BY LATER THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT. FLASH FLOODING, HIGH WINDS, LARGE HAIL AND TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE TODAY AND TONIGHT! PLEASE STAY UP TO DATE BY VISITING WEATHER.GOV or SPC.NOAA.GOV.  

Timing

        The severe line of storms will likely be here in Central Ohio around the evening rush and will continue with heavy rain through the night and into early Thursday morning.

Lightning will be abundant with these storms and will pose a serious threat. It is important to remember that lightning can kill you and should be taken seriously. And remember IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING!!!