Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a rare warning Tuesday in anticipation of severe weather expected to hit the state later in the day, emphasizing the potential danger for residents.
“This is not a usual day,” DeWine cautioned during a press conference on Tuesday. “This is a dangerous day for Ohioans, whether they live in Indian Lake or wherever they live.”
DeWine delivered the warning while visiting the Indian Lake region in Portage County, an area still reeling from tornado damage sustained on March 14.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has forecasted a ‘moderate risk’ of severe weather for southern Ohio on Tuesday, with potential for significant impacts including strong tornadoes.
“A severe weather outbreak is possible through this evening over the Ohio Valley with the broader severe weather risk including parts of the Southeast. Strong and potentially long-track tornadoes are possible from Indiana and Ohio southward into the Mid South,” the National Weather Service stated.
DeWine urged residents to prepare, emphasizing the importance of having a designated shelter in place. “You need to have a place to go if you get the report you have to shelter,” DeWine advised reporters. “You may need a place to go, so figure that out now.”
While Northeast Ohio is expected to see less severe impacts, the National Weather Service in Cleveland warned that areas between Akron and Canton could face an enhanced risk of damaging winds, significant hail, and possibly significant tornadoes later in the day. Regions between Cleveland and Akron were cautioned to be on alert for slight risks of these weather events.
In anticipation of the severe weather, some school districts in Richland and Ashland Counties opted to dismiss classes early on Tuesday due to concerns about flooding and safety.