Damaging winds possible during storms tonight; Severe T-storm Warnings in effect

The best chance for severe weather from 6 to 11 p.m., but stronger storms could start moving in from Indiana around 4 p.m. according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

Damaging winds are the primary threat, with large hail a secondary threat. There’s also a chance for tornadoes, mostly in eastern Indiana and western Ohio.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Butler, Darke, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Warren counties until 7:15 p.m., issued by the NWS. This storm poses a considerable damage threat, the NWS said, with, tornadoes possible, winds up to 70 mph and hail up to three quarters of an inch across.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Darke and Miami counties until 7 p.m., issued by the NWS. Hazards include winds up to 60 mph and hail less than three quarters of an inch.

A Severe Thunderstorm warning is in effect for Champaign and Miami counties until 7:45 p.m., issued by the NWS. Hazards include winds up to 60 mph and hail less than three quarters of an inch.

Wednesday afternoon the NWS expanded the enhanced risk area to all of western and central Ohio.

An enhanced risk means numerous severe storms are possible with wind damage, a few tornadoes and damaging hail of up to 2 inches.

“The primary severe threat remains damaging winds, with some potential for wind gusts up to 70 mph, especially across portions of eastern Indiana and western Ohio,” according to the forecast.

Tornadoes are still possible, especially in western Ohio and eastern Indiana where stronger shear is expected.

“Any large hail threat would be limited to the tallest thunderstorms, which again would be focused across eastern Indiana and western Ohio with the earlier arrival,” the forecast continued.

The line of severe thunderstorms should move out of the region before midnight. Additional showers and thunderstorms will linger overnight and could continue into Thursday afternoon.

Highs will be in the upper 70s Thursday, with sunshine and clearer skies in the evening.

Sunnier and hotter conditions will begin Friday, with temperatures expected to reach the 90s through most of next week.