Brad Gilbert, Emergency Management Agency director for Wood County, has issued the following advisory:
A couple of items have slightly changed in the forecast models for Friday since yesterday’s email. Timing of the thunderstorms now indicate a 3-6 p.m. time frame for moving through NW Ohio. Forecast models are still fairly consistent that severe weather and lightning producing storms will be well east of Wood County by Friday night football kick-off times. Also, changed in the last 2 hours is the SPC’s update that shows the “Slight” risk category has been shifted slightly west to include Wood County in the next highest risk category. With a “Slight” risk, there is a chance of an isolated tornado as well as damaging straight-line winds as primary threats. Winds outside of thunderstorms throughout the day on Friday will be very breezy/gusty. Some non-thunderstorm wind gusts could be 35-40 mph at times. Once the storms have passed, there will be a notable drop in temperature through Friday evening. Please monitor weather conditions closely Friday afternoon until this strong cold front has passed through the area.
For our local schools…
As stated, Friday night football games should be threat-free from severe weather and lightning; however, with the thunderstorms arriving later in the afternoon, there will be a chance of stronger weather around class dismissal times. Although forecast models are leaning towards a line of thunderstorms moving through Wood County in the 4:30-5:30pm time frame, conditions will be favorable for scattered/isolated thunderstorms ahead of this line that could also become strong or severe, so please monitor weather conditions closely as dismissal times arrive on Friday.
Much cooler weather but mostly sunny skies for the weekend!
