The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 9:22 a.m. Aug. 11 for Champaign, Clark Madison and Union counties.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 0.75 inches.
The weather service warns: "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
To report severe weather, go to our website at weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can do so safely."
Union County weather radar
What are National Weather Service meteorologists saying?
At 9:22 a.m., the weather service issued a statement including the following information:
"The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Eastern Champaign County in west central Ohio, Clark County in west central Ohio, Southern Union County in central Ohio, Madison County in central Ohio, Until 10:15 a.m. EDT. At 9:22 a.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Urbana, moving east at 50 mph.
HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Expect damage to trees and power lines. Locations impacted include: Springfield, Dublin, Marysville, Urbana, London, Jefferson, Northridge, Plain City, West Jefferson, Enon, South Charleston, Mechanicsburg, North Lewisburg, Choctaw Lake, New California, Lake Darby, Harmony, Lisbon, Brighton, and Milford Center. This includes the following Interstates, I-70 in Ohio between mile markers 50 and 86. I-71 in Ohio between mile markers 84 and 87."
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a storm is occurring or about to occur with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail one inch in diameter or larger, the National Weather Service says. These storms can also bring heavy rain and, in some cases, flooding or flash flooding.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
- Once inside a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment or plumbing.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of power loss.
- Secure loose objects outside, as they can become dangerous during high winds.
- Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
Also, remember lightning can travel several miles from a storm, so hearing thunder means you're within striking distance. The common advice from experts is "When thunder roars, go indoors."
How to stay safe around lightning
If indoors:
- Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity, according to the weather service.
- Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, faucets and even toilets, if you can.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrere floors or lay against concrete walls.
If in a vehicle:
- Ensure all windows are fully closed.
- Refrain from touching radios, ignition systems, or any metal parts connected to the vehicle's exterior.
- Stay inside the vehicle until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
What to do if a vehicle is struck by lightning
- Stay inside. Your car acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electricity around you and protecting you.
- Keep hands on your lap and away from metal surfaces .
- Do not touch the radio, dashboard, or any electrical components.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before exiting.
Ohio weather watches and warnings
Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Union County
