A tornado warning has been issued for portions of Stark, Wayne and Holmes counties Tuesday night as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moves through the region.
The National Weather Service in Cleveland issued the warning at 9:44 p.m., which remains in effect until 10:15 p.m.
The warning includes southwestern Stark County, southern Wayne County, and northeastern Holmes County.
According to the weather service, at 9:43 p.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Shreve, or about nine miles southwest of Wooster, and was moving east at 55 mph.
Radar indicated rotation within the storm, prompting the tornado warning.
Forecasters say the primary hazard is a tornado, with flying debris posing a significant danger to anyone caught without shelter. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed, and damage to roofs, windows, vehicles and trees is likely.
The storm is expected to move near Wooster and Shreve around 9:50 p.m., Mount Eaton around 9:55 p.m., and Brewster, Wilmot and Winesburg around 10 p.m. Additional areas that could be impacted include Fredericksburg, Mount Hope and Apple Creek.
Residents in the warned area are urged to take shelter immediately. Officials recommend moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and staying away from windows. Those outdoors, in vehicles or in mobile homes are advised to move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.
This is a developing situation.
