Storms expected, possible tornado

SANDUSKY — Severe thunderstorms and high winds are expected this afternoon and evening. Scattered and severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, along with damaging wind gusts and hail. A tornado or two is also possible, according to the National Weather Service. The main impacts are expected to be large hail and damaging winds. Tornadoes could be possible, especially near and south of a line from Bowling Green to Norwalk to Canton. The National Weather Service in Cleveland set a hazardous weather warning for Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake Geauga, Ashtabula inland, Hancock, Seneca, Huron, Medina, Summit, Portage, Trumbull, Wyandot, Crawford, Richland, Ashland, Wayne, Stark, Mahoning, Marion, Morrow, Holmes and Knox counties, and Ashtabula lakeside. The greatest severe storm risk exists along and west of I-77. Today, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. and a southeast wind with gusts expected as high as 29 mph. Gusts of winds could blow around unsecured objects and tree limbs could be blown down, causing power outages. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle, and secure outdoor objects. Emergency officials say you should also have a plan to protect yourself if strong thunderstorms move near your community.