Strong Thunderstorms Move Through Central Ohio and Northern Kentucky
Radar-tracked thunderstorms brought damaging winds up to 40 mph, hail, and heavy rain across central Ohio and northern Kentucky this morning.
DELAWARE, OHIO — Strong thunderstorms swept through central Ohio and northern Kentucky this morning, prompting special weather statements from the National Weather Service as the storms brought potentially damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain to the region.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued two separate alerts as radar-indicated storms moved eastward at speeds up to 50 mph. The first storm, tracked at 9:02 AM EDT, was located near Marysville and moving east at 50 mph with nickel-sized hail as the primary threat.
A second, more dangerous storm was reported at 9:30 AM EDT over Claryville, moving east at 45 mph. This system posed multiple hazards including wind gusts up to 40 mph, penny-sized hail, and very heavy rain that could significantly reduce visibility and create hydroplaning conditions for drivers.
Widespread Impact Across Multiple Communities
The storms affected numerous communities across central Ohio and northern Kentucky. In Ohio, the weather system impacted Delaware, Marysville, Richwood, Ashley, Radnor, Ostrander, Magnetic Springs, Delaware State Park, Broadway, Warrensburg, Pharisburg, Leonardsburg, Kilbourne, New Dover, State Route 257 at US Route 36, and Raymond.
The second storm system brought hazardous conditions to a broader area including Cincinnati, Covington, Independence, Erlanger, Fort Thomas, Newport, Edgewood, Alexandria, Elsmere, Fort Mitchell, Villa Hills, Highland Heights, Taylor Mill, Fort Wright, Georgetown, Southgate, Crescent Springs, Crestview Hills, Park Hills, and Lakeside Park.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Concerns
Interstate travel was affected by both storm systems, with I-71 in Ohio experiencing conditions between mile markers 134 and 138, while I-75 in Kentucky saw impacts between mile markers 184 and 189.
Weather officials warned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, while hail posed a threat to vegetation. The combination of heavy rain and reduced visibility created dangerous driving conditions, with the potential for hydroplaning on roadways.
The National Weather Service advised motorists to slow down and use extra caution while traveling through affected areas. Those outdoors were encouraged to seek shelter inside sturdy buildings as the storms passed through.
Public Safety and Reporting
Residents experiencing hazardous weather conditions were encouraged to report them through the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/iln. Officials emphasized that reports should be submitted via social media only when it can be done safely.
The radar-indicated nature of both storms allowed meteorologists to track their movements and issue timely warnings to communities in their paths, helping residents and travelers prepare for the potentially dangerous conditions.
