BRADLEY J. GILBERT, WOOD COUNTY EMA DIRECTOR
There is a severe weather threat for this evening (April 20) across NW Ohio. Overnight the Storm Prediction Center increased the severe weather risk category across Northwest Ohio to “Enhanced.” Atmosphere dynamics along with very warm temperatures and increased dew points (humidity) this afternoon will cause thunderstorms to develop across Eastern Illinois into Northern Indiana and then into NW Ohio. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon, but the bigger complex of thunderstorms will move into the area after 5 p.m.
Current models indicate this complex of storms to be in the Wood County/Toledo/Findlay area around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. this evening. The primary threats will be damaging straight line winds and large hail; however, an isolated tornado or two is also possible over Northwest Ohio and especially just north of the Ohio/Michigan line.
Heavy rain will also be possible which may cause some flooding issues after yesterday’s rainfall. More than likely, some type of severe weather WATCH will be issued for our area by late this afternoon.
