A meandering frontal boundary that’s been persistently hanging around the vicinity for the last several days will bring chances for showers and storms to east-central Ohio later today and on Saturday.
Thunderstorms that develop today could be strong to severe. Damaging straight-line winds are the main concern, but some hail is possible as well. The NWS Storm Prediction Center has our area highlighted for a Marginal Risk, or Level 1 on a scale of 1-5.
Any thunderstorm during the afternoon and evening could also produce periods of heavy rainfall. Repeating storms over the same area could result in localized flooding.
SATURDAY
Showers and thunderstorms may also develop on Saturday as that frontal boundary lifts north as a strong cold front. Storms that develop in the afternoon and evening have a slightly better chance of becoming severe. The SPC has our area in a Slight Risk, or Level 2 on a scale of 1-5 for severe weather, mainly during the late afternoon and early evening timeframe.
Damaging wind is once again the main concern with Saturday’s storms, but some hail and/or an isolated tornado can’t be completely ruled out.
There is some model disagreement with regard to the timing of Saturday’s frontal crossing. This should come into better focus with today’s model runs.
So Saturday for the straight line winds?
Friday AND Saturday.