News
Severe Weather Expected Wednesday Into Thursday
By: Gabe Ross, Tim Sharp
Posted on:
UPDATE 3:30 p.m. A flood watch has been extended for portions of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio in anticipation of severe weather forecasted to Wednesday into Thursday.
The National Weather Service says the flood watch will be in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday evening until Thursday afternoon.
A hazardous weather outlook for the region by the NWS says threats from these storms could include high winds and damaging hail.
The NWS' Wilmington, Ohio office says the threat of severe weather will continue into the overnight hours as storms become more numerous and grow into a complex. This wil cause the potential for damaging winds to increase. An isolated tornado or large hail is also possible.
Meteorologists say conditions are present for the formation of a derecho storm.
Last year, a wide area of this part of the country was hit by a derecho, which left tens of thousands without power for days.
American Electric Power says it is prepared to respond to possible power outages because of the weather. It also sent an email to customers offering safety tips in the aftermath of possible severe weather. AEP offered the following tips:
Never touch a downed utility wire, no matter how harmless it looks. All downed wires should be considered energized and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from downed lines and anything that the lines may contact, i.e. fences, swings and lawn furnishings. These items can conduct electricity. If you see a downed wire, please contact AEP Ohio at 1-800-672-2231.
If you intend to use a portable generator, do not plug the generator into your electric box and plug only essential appliances directly into the generator. Be sure to follow the manufacturers' instructions. If not handled properly, portable generators can "backfeed" electricity up the power line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Portable generators should be installed by a licensed electrician to ensure it meets national, state and local electric codes.
Gasoline was in short supply and cooling stations had to be set up to help those without air conditioning in the heat that followed.
Stay with WOUB News on air and online for the latest weather information as it develops. We will be providing updates if and when such an event hits our region.
UPDATE 1:12 p.m. American Electric Power says it is prepared to respond to possible power outages due to severe weather forecasted to Wednesday into Thursday for the region.
AEP Ohio says it has also identifying the availability of additional resources and urges customers to prepare as well.
Meteorologists say conditions are present for the formation of a derecho storm.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the region that will include high winds and damaging hail.
The NWS' Wilmington, Ohio office says the threat of severe weather will continue into the overnight hours as storms become more numerous and grow into a complex. This wil cause the potential for damaging winds to increase. An isolated tornado or large hail is also possible.
Parts of the region are under a flash flood warning until Thursday evening.
Last year, a wide area of this part of the country was hit by a derecho storm which left tens of thousands without power for days.
Gasoline was in short supply and cooling stations had to be set up to help those without air conditioning in the heat that followed.
AccuWeather is saying that ingredients are coming together that could trigger a derecho in our region today and into tonight.
The Accuweather map shows the greatest threat extending from Illinois with the eastern edge cutting through southeast Ohio.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the region that will include high winds and damaging hail.
Parts of the region are under a flash flood warning until Thursday evening.
Last year, a wide area of this part of the country was hit by a derecho storm which left tens of thousands without power for days.
Gasoline was in short supply and cooling stations had to be set up to help those without air conditioning in the heat that followed.