Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Threat Expected Wednesday Night Across Tri-State

The Tri-State region faces a significant severe weather threat Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, with damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rainfall expected. The Storm Prediction Center has elevated threat levels to 3 in parts of Indiana and several Ohio counties including Hamilton, Warren, and Butler, with a threat level 2 for most other areas. A tornado watch is expected to remain in effect from 11 p.m. Wednesday through 5 a.m. Thursday, with the highest tornado risk concentrated in northwestern portions of the region.

Specific counties currently under tornado warning include Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland counties in Indiana; Boone, Gallatin, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Butler and Warren counties in Ohio. The National Weather Service warns that damaging winds could gust up to 70 mph, accompanied by large hail, heavy rain, and flash flooding. The primary severe weather threat window extends from midnight to 6 a.m. Thursday, with isolated storms potentially moving in around 10 p.m. and spin-up tornadoes possible between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

A flood watch has been issued from 10 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday. The storm system is expected to clear the region by 6 a.m. Thursday morning, potentially before the morning commute begins. However, lingering impacts including flooding, downed trees, and scattered power outages may persist into Thursday morning and early afternoon.

Residents are advised to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings in place before bedtime Wednesday night, as the strongest storms may arrive during overnight hours. Thursday afternoon conditions are expected to improve with temperatures in the low 80s and partly cloudy skies with breezy winds. Comfortable weather is forecast through most of Father's Day weekend, with rain and storm chances returning late Sunday into Monday.