A tornado warning has been issued until 7:30 p.m. for parts of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky following the detection of a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Cleves, moving southeast at 25 MPH. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that flying debris poses a significant danger, especially for those without proper shelter, and notes that mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed. Additional risks include damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles, as well as potential tree damage.
Areas affected include Cincinnati, Covington, Florence, Independence, Erlanger, Newport, and several other communities in the region. Residents are urged to take immediate cover in a basement or an interior room in a sturdy building, avoiding windows wherever possible. Those outdoors, in mobile homes, or vehicles should seek substantial shelter to protect themselves from debris.
Before this warning, a severe thunderstorm warning was already in effect for much of Hamilton County and surrounding areas, expected to last until 7:15 p.m. The NWS reports that there are threats of winds reaching up to 60 mph and pea-sized hail. Furthermore, a flood watch has been declared for all of southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana due to the risk of heavy rains through Monday morning.
Forecasters predict multiple rounds of thunderstorms over the weekend that could result in flash flooding in vulnerable areas. Residents in potentially affected locations are advised to stay vigilant and make preparations in case of flooding.
The upcoming weather forecast indicates the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms continuing into the next few days, with highs reaching the upper 80s to low 90s. While conditions may pose challenges, they also offer an opportunity for the local infrastructure and emergency services to demonstrate efficiency in handling severe weather situations.
Overall, while the current weather presents challenging conditions, community preparedness and awareness can help ensure safety during these events.