OHIO — A risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast across parts of the Ohio Valley on Saturday, and the storms could lead to scattered power outages across portions of Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a slight risk of severe thunderstorms is expected Saturday from the morning into the evening across parts of Ohio, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and portions of New York.
The same system is also expected to bring severe weather to areas stretching from Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley.
Forecasters say scattered severe storms could develop as the system moves through the region. The primary threats include damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes.
Strong wind gusts from severe thunderstorms are often capable of knocking down trees and power lines. When this occurs across populated areas, it can lead to widespread electrical outages. In past severe weather events across Ohio, strong storms have left thousands of homes and businesses without power as utility crews worked to restore service.
If storms move through heavily populated areas or produce clusters of damaging winds, outages could quickly increase across parts of the state. Rural areas can also be affected if trees fall onto distribution lines.
Utility companies and emergency officials often prepare for the potential of outages during severe weather events, especially when the Storm Prediction Center issues a higher risk category such as a slight risk.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the day Saturday.
