Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Athens, Gallia, Jackson, Meigs, Vinton Until 11:45 PM EDT

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for portions of Athens, Gallia, Jackson, Meigs, and Vinton counties until 11:45 PM EDT tonight, September 20.

The National Weather Service in Charleston, WV, issued the warning at 11:13 PM EDT. Areas affected include northwestern Meigs, northeastern Gallia, northeastern Jackson, eastern Vinton, and southwestern Athens counties.

At the time of issuance, severe thunderstorms were detected along a line extending from near Lake Hope State Park to near Mcarthur to near Wellston, moving southeast at 25 mph. The primary hazard is 60 mph wind gusts, according to radar indications. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Torrential rainfall is also occurring, which may lead to flash flooding.

Impacted locations include Athens, Wellston, Pomeroy, Albany, Rutland, Lake Hope State Park, Middleport, Zaleski, Vinton, Wilkesville, Creola, Radcliffe, Dyesville, Darwin, Salem Center, Harrisonville, Dexter, Kyger, Carpenter, and The Plains.

Residents are advised to remain alert for a possible tornado; tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado, go at once into the basement or a small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.