Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Champaign County; Flood Warning for Butler

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for Champaign County, Excessive Heat Watch issued for Tuesday
Severe storm moves into Dayton from the west. Jim Noelker/Staff

Credit: Jim Noelker

Credit: Jim Noelker

Severe storm moves into Dayton from the west. Jim Noelker/Staff

Less than a week after four tornadoes hit the region, the entire area faced strong to severe storms this afternoon that left tens of thousands of electricity customers without power.

There is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect for Champaign County until 12:15 a.m., issued by the NWS. Damage from the storm could be considerable, with winds up to 70 mph and hail of up to ¾ of an inch possible.

There is a Flood Warning in effect for Butler County until 5 a.m. on Tuesday due to excessive rainfall. The NWS said that between one and three inches of rain has fallen, which could leave numerous roads closed due to the flood waters.

There is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for Champaign County until 3 a.m.

The NWS said to never drive through flood waters, and that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

As the area cleans up from the first round of storms, though, the NWS warned another round will arrive around midnight, bringing damaging wind for areas along and north of Interstate 70.

Counties just to the north of the Miami Valley are under an upgraded Level 4/5 enhanced outlook for severe weather.

“Folks, Monday is going to be a day to pay attention to the weather,” the NWS said, later adding, “if storms move in during the afternoon and/or evening, significant severe weather may be possible. Strong/damaging wind gusts remain the greatest concern.”

The forecast calls for partly sunny skies, and the NWS reported the high today was 91 degrees.

The region is under a Level 3, or enhanced risk of severe weather, according to the Storm Prediction Center’s scale, which has five levels. However, counties just to the north are under a Level 4/5, or marginal risk of severe weather.

The overnight low will fall only to about 75 degrees, and Tuesday brings an Excessive Heat Watch.

The watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

The NWS predicted dangerously hot conditions with record or near record high temperatures in the upper 90s and heat index values up to 109 possible.

“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the NWS said..

Very muggy and hot conditions are predicted Tuesday through Thursday with temperatures reaching mid to high 90′s.

Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 96 degrees.

Wednesday continues to be hot, with temperatures reaching 96 along with bright sunshine for the day.

Skies will be partly cloudy with a low of 77 degrees overnight.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 94 degrees. Isolated showers and thunderstorms may occur after 2 p.m.

Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a low of 69 degrees. Precipitation may occur with thunderstorms before 2 a.m.

Friday will be mostly sunny with conditions cooling into the mid 80s.

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