Severe Thunderstorms Strike Eastern Ohio with 60 MPH Winds
Powerful storms with 60 mph winds swept through eastern Ohio communities Monday evening, prompting severe weather warnings.
COLUMBIANA, OHIO — Severe thunderstorms swept across eastern Ohio Monday evening, bringing dangerous 60 mph wind gusts that threatened damage to roofs, siding, and trees across multiple communities.
The National Weather Service Pittsburgh office issued two severe thunderstorm warnings between 8:22 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. EDT on May 5, tracking storms that moved eastward at 40 mph through the region.
Storm Path and Affected Areas
The first warning, issued at 8:22 p.m., tracked a severe thunderstorm located over Lisbon, approximately 8 miles south of Salem. Radar indicated the storm was producing 60 mph wind gusts as it moved east.
Communities in the storm’s path included Salem, Columbiana, East Palestine, Lisbon, Leetonia, New Waterford, Rogers, Lake Tomahawk, Beaver Creek State Park, Guilford Lake State Park, Negley and Winona, according to the National Weather Service.
A second warning followed at 8:34 p.m. as the storm system continued its eastward trajectory. This warning tracked a severe thunderstorm near New Waterford, close to Columbiana, maintaining the same 40 mph eastward movement.
Wind Damage Threats
The National Weather Service warned residents to expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees from the powerful wind gusts. The 60 mph winds pose significant risks to property and can down power lines and large tree branches.
The storms were identified through radar indication, allowing meteorologists to track their movement and issue timely warnings to residents in affected areas. Locations impacted by the second wave included Columbiana, East Palestine, Leetonia, New Waterford, Rogers and Negley.
Safety Recommendations
During severe thunderstorm warnings, the National Weather Service advises residents to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building and stay away from windows. Those outdoors should seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
The warnings expired at 9:00 p.m. EDT on May 5 as the storm system continued moving eastward out of the immediate threat area. Residents in the affected communities should inspect their property for any damage caused by the high winds and report downed power lines to local utilities.
