Cincinnati Faces Severe Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Tonight The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of the region, including Hamilton, Butler, and Warren counties in Ohio, as well as Dearborn County in Indiana, until 10 p.m. on May 19, 2026. Parts of Butler County, including Middletown, Hamilton, and Lebanon, were under a severe thunderstorm warning until 8:30 p.m. The weather service warned that showers and thunderstorms were expected to develop ahead of a cold front late in the afternoon and evening. The storm system brought scattered gusts up to 70 mph, frequent lightning, and isolated hail the size of a quarter. Officials cautioned that damaging winds could lead to tree limbs being knocked down or isolated power outages. Earlier in the evening, some parts of downtown Cincinnati experienced power outages after a brief thunderstorm rolled through around 8 p.m. The 7-day detailed weather forecast highlighted ongoing unsettled conditions. On Tuesday, May 19, the day’s forecast called for mostly sunny skies with a high near 90°F, accompanied by southwest winds around 12 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch were possible. Tuesday night brought a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., with thunderstorms likely between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. The forecast also indicated a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., followed by mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 64°F. Southwest winds were expected to reach 1 to 10 mph with gusts up to 22 mph. The chance of precipitation was 80%, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. Wednesday, May 20, saw showers and thunderstorms with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 71°F.#national_weather_service #cincinnati #wilmington #butler_county #hamilton_county
NWS says tornadoes possible in central Ohio today Central Ohio is under a tornado watch as multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to sweep through the region on March 11, with potential for damaging winds and tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The warning, active until noon, covers all of central Ohio as a line of severe thunderstorms moves eastward from Illinois into Indiana. The National Weather Service reported scattered thunderstorms developing ahead of the storm system, urging residents to prepare for severe weather throughout the day. The highest likelihood of storms occurs before noon, though isolated thunderstorms could still develop after 3 p.m. Damaging winds are highlighted as the primary threat during the storm activity, with the possibility of large hail and "a few tornadoes" mentioned in the hazardous weather outlook. The storm system is expected to dissipate as a cold front arrives late on March 11, bringing colder temperatures to the region. The severe weather prompted Franklin County to cancel its weekly tornado siren test to prevent confusion with the active warning. Additionally, the NWS issued a wind advisory for central Ohio, warning of southwest winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 11, affecting central Ohio and nearby areas in Kentucky and Indiana. The NWS emphasized that gusty winds could dislodge unsecured objects, including tree limbs, leading to potential power outages. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and exercise caution while driving, particularly with high-profile vehicles. The weather service reiterated the importance of staying alert and following safety guidelines as the storm system progresses.#national_weather_service #central_ohio #wilmington #franklin_county
