COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thunderstorms were forecast to continue in central throughout the day Thursday after strong storms rolled across the area overnight, accompanied by vivid lightning, thunder and heavy rain.
American Electric Power reported approximately 15,000 customers were without electricity at the storm’s height.
The National Weather Service reported branches were knocked down on the Northwest Side.
The storm dumped as much as an inch of rain in some areas, causing ponding on roadways. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office reported high water blocking U.S. route 62 at Tippett Road on the Franklin-Licking County line.
Severe storms knocked down trees and power lines in several locations across northern Ohio. Part of the roof of a high school gym was torn off in Geauga County in northeast Ohio.
Wind gusts above 50 mph were recorded in Xenia and Albany, in Athens County.
Storms will continue marching through Central Ohio this morning, some with large hail, damaging winds and very heavy rain, ABC6/FOX28 meteorologist Dana Turtle said. High water could impact the morning commute, he says.
More showers and storms will develop into the afternoon and this evening along with muggy conditions and high temperatures in the upper 80’s. Turtle advises a few storms may become severe again this afternoon.