The Miami Valley is bracing for its first taste of spring-like storms this weekend, and the weather is already making its presence felt. As of early Saturday morning, Butler County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 6:30 a.m., while a broader Tornado Watch stretches across parts of Ohio and Indiana until 10 a.m.
The Tornado Watch covers Ohio counties including Auglaize, Butler, Darke, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, and Warren, as well as Randolph, Union, and Wayne counties in Indiana. Meanwhile, a Wind Advisory blankets most of the region through 8 p.m. tonight, with Randolph County, Indiana, under its own advisory until 4 p.m.
Storm Center 7 is closely monitoring the system, bringing you the latest updates on timing and impacts during News Center 7 Saturday at 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Morning Storms Sweep In
The first wave of thunderstorms is rolling into the Miami Valley this morning, expected between 5:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., according to Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Ryan Marando. Residents should prepare for heavy rain, frequent lightning strikes, and strong wind gusts. While most storms will stay below severe levels, a couple could pack a punch, with damaging winds as the primary threat.
“Expect partly cloudy skies through the day, but it’ll feel more like a wind tunnel than a calm spring afternoon,” Marando noted. “Gusts could top 40 miles per hour, so secure anything that might take flight.”
Afternoon and Evening: Round Two
The weather isn’t done with us yet. A second batch of storms could develop between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m., shifting the focus from severe threats to potential flooding. “We’re looking at one to two inches of rain across the region by Saturday night, with some spots south and east of Dayton possibly seeing up to three inches,” Marando explained. “If it comes down too fast, flooding could become an issue.”
While the risk of severe weather drops later in the day due to lower instability, any stronger storms that do flare up could still bring gusty winds. The worst of it should clear out after midnight, giving the region a breather.
What to Watch For
Marando warns that while widespread storm coverage isn’t expected, any isolated cells that form could turn nasty. “Damaging winds, hail, and even a stray tornado can’t be ruled out entirely,” he said. “Stay weather-aware, especially this morning and into the afternoon.”
For the latest updates, tune in to Storm Center 7’s live coverage or keep an eye on their reports throughout the day. Stay safe, Miami Valley—spring is starting with a bang!
