OHIO — A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for a large portion of Ohio Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
The watch, identified as Severe Thunderstorm Watch 97, was issued at 2:50 p.m. EDT and remains in effect until 9 p.m.
The watch includes dozens of counties across northern, central and parts of western Ohio, including Cuyahoga County, Franklin County, Summit County, Lucas County, Lorain County and Stark County.
Other counties under the watch include Ashland, Ashtabula, Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Crawford, Delaware, Erie, Geauga, Hancock, Hardin, Holmes, Huron, Knox, Lake, Licking, Logan, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Miami, Morrow, Ottawa, Portage, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Trumbull, Union, Wayne, Wood and Wyandot counties.
The watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area.
Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and be prepared to seek shelter if warnings are issued.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor the system and will provide updates as conditions evolve.
