The line of thunderstorms that developed yesterday in Indiana and Michigan later traveled through Ohio and continued east overnight. As of early this morning, there were over 475 storm reports submitted in Michigan and Ohio alone. And, more are coming in as of 8:00 as folks discover additional damage. Over 450 high wind reports are associated with downed trees and broken power lines. Surprisingly, there are no tornado reports.
In Ohio, 87 of 88 counties were under a storm warning at one time or another yesterday. The lone warning-less county was Van Wert in far western Ohio. Tornado warnings were issued in 14 counties.
An NWS survey team from Pittsburgh will visit Leetonia, Ohio (Columbiana County) today to have a look at storm damage to determine if a tornado touched down there. A report from the survey team will be issued late this afternoon and I’ll keep you posted.
Locally, I’ve read reports of several areas with tree and property damage. Power is still out in many areas in the Valley. I’ve heard of no injuries.
We will have no weather issues to deal with today as folks get busy cleaning up after last night’s storm. High pressure will build in from the Lower Ohio Valley today clearing out the clouds and allow for sunshine in East-Central Ohio. Already the air feels refreshingly cooler and drier today and that trend will continue into the weekend.
Temperatures this afternoon and Friday will top out in the upper-70s locally. Those low-70s dew points from yesterday are long gone replaced by dry air indicated by dew points in the low-50s today.
LOCAL WEEKEND OUTLOOK
A reinforcing cold front will cross the region Friday night. With little in the way of moisture, it will hardly be noticed other than maybe some increasing clouds. The cooler air behind the front will have an impact on our temperatures Saturday and Sunday, though. Afternoon highs will only reach the low-70s locally. With a lack of any substantial moisture in the air, we’ll have very pleasant weekend weather.
Our only chance at any hint of rain will come Saturday night as an upper-level disturbance crosses. I’ve included a slight chance for a few sprinkles with this feature Saturday night. Otherwise, dry and fair weather will be the norm.
NEXT WEEK
Confidence decreases in our weather forecast as we head into next week. An upper-level low will set up over the eastern US early next week and that will make it necessary to keep at least low odds for a shower or storm Monday and Tuesday.
Other than a spotty shower or storm, dry and mostly sunny should dominate the early week. Temperatures will also start inching back up as the week progresses. Expect highs on Monday in the upper-70s warming back up to the upper-80s by mid-week.
The National Blend of Models temperature trend for the next 10 days:
