OHIO, USA — An ALERT DAY was issued by the WTOL 11 Weather team for the threat of overnight storms tonight and into Tuesday morning, and has since expired.
Here's everything you need to know:
Timing: Due to the humid and muggy conditions, afternoon humidity and instability will create a favorable atmosphere for storms. A line of thunderstorms will arrive after midnight. Strong to severe storms will roll in from the 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. timeframe.
Threats: Storms are expected to arrive locally after midnight but still contain a strong punch of heavy rain, lightning and straight-line winds. This line of storms will be moving roughly from west to east at a speed potentially over 40 mph. With the chance of heavy rain and the ground being saturated the past few days, make sure to check your sump pump, before heading to bed tonight.
Tornado Potential: Although the tornado threat is on the lower end, the chance for a brief spin-up tornado is possible going throughout the overnight hours. Make sure to have phones charged and shoes near just in case severe weather impacts your home.
When: Storms will develop Monday evening west of our area near Chicago. A line of strong to severe storms will slowly make its way to our area by the overnight hours and into early Tuesday morning. The main timeline for storms will be 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. After 5 a.m. Tuesday, storms will clear with partly cloudy skies near sunrise on Tuesday.
Impact: The chance of strong winds, heavy downpours and hail is possible as we go throughout tonight. As you go to sleep, make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts as strong to severe storms roll through. Some of the most dangerous storms happen overnight so make sure you are weather aware during the overnight hours of tonight. Summertime plans, including outdoor campers, should be especially aware of the threat of these storms.
Need: Severe thunderstorms can be dangerous any time of the day but especially at night. Be sure to have a way to get weather warnings that can wake you up from sleep. This can include a weather radio or the WTOL 11 weather app. On the WTOL 11 Weather App, select your location settings and alert settings to "on." You will also need to move any outdoor furniture or loose items to safety before bed tonight to keep any from being blown around or damaged during any storms. While heavy rainfall is not expected, it is a good idea to check your sump pumps as well to avoid any issues when it comes to basement flooding.
