Severe Thunderstorm Warning: 60 MPH Winds Impact Athens, Gallia, Meigs, Vinton

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Athens, Gallia, Meigs, and Vinton counties in Ohio, effective immediately until 11:45 PM EDT tonight, September 20. Residents in these areas should seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

The National Weather Service in Charleston, WV, issued the warning at 11:32 PM EDT. Radar indicates severe thunderstorms with 60 mph wind gusts are moving southeast at 25 mph. These storms are currently located along a line extending from 6 miles southeast of Lake Hope State Park to near Albany to 14 miles southeast of Mcarthur to 8 miles west of Rutland to 10 miles north of Rio Grande.

Impacts are expected to include damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Communities within the warning area include Athens, Pomeroy, Albany, Rutland, Middleport, Vinton, Wilkesville, Dyesville, Darwin, Salem Center, Harrisonville, Dexter, Kyger, Carpenter, and The Plains.

Torrential rainfall is accompanying these storms, which may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Remain alert for the possibility of a tornado. If a tornado is spotted, immediately go to a basement or a small, central room in a sturdy structure.