Severe Storm Warning Issued for Miami Valley Late Wednesday with Damaging Winds, Hail, and Tornado Risk

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire Miami Valley under a severe storm risk for late Wednesday into the overnight hours, with the northwestern portion facing an enhanced risk level 3 out of 5. The remainder of the valley is under a slight risk, classified as level 2 out of 5. The primary threat comes from damaging winds exceeding 70 miles per hour, though large hail measuring one inch or greater in diameter and a few strong tornadoes are also possible. Flash flooding poses an additional concern across the region.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for Butler County and Union County, Indiana, through 10 a.m. Thursday. Heavy rainfall rates could produce over three inches of rain in some areas as storms train over the same locations repeatedly. Authorities have warned residents not to drive through flooded roadways, as water can accumulate rapidly and its depth cannot be easily determined.

Two waves of storms are expected to impact the region. The first wave will arrive after 4 p.m. and persist until approximately 8 p.m., though this round is anticipated to be weaker than the second. The strongest storm activity is forecast between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday. Strong wind shear—the change in wind direction and speed at different atmospheric heights—is expected to strengthen the overnight storms despite the first wave potentially sapping some energy from the system.

Residents are urged to identify their safe shelter locations, charge electronic devices, ensure they have multiple methods of receiving weather alerts, and verify that neighbors are prepared for the severe weather threat.