March is coming in like a lion with a strong storm system impacting most of the Midwest and the south Friday. A strengthening area of low pressure will push through Ohio and Indiana producing multiple weather threats for the Miami Valley.
>> Flood Watch, Wind Advisory in effect for entire region; Severe storms possible this afternoon
FLOODING RAIN
Deep moisture will be transported into the state as this system approaches bringing widespread, heavy rain for several hours today. A Flood Watch is in effect until 1 a.m. Saturday for the entire Miami Valley. The moisture available for this system to tap into is running more than 200 percent above normal for this time of year. Most of the Miami Valley will see 1 to 2 inches of rain with local spots getting closer to 3 inches. Creeks, streams and streets could be impacted by a quick rise of water so drive carefully throughout the afternoon and avoid standing water. Active weather earlier this week combined with this storm is also expected to cause several locations along the Great Miami River and Mad River to rise to near flood stage.
>> TRACK THE LATEST CONDITIONS: Live Doppler 7 Radar
SEVERE STORMS
Though the highest threat for severe weather is in northern Kentucky where there will be slightly higher instability, the Miami Valley will still have to monitor a severe threat locally. From 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. scattered storms are expected to develop. Since the winds above are so strong, storms today have the potential to mix those winds down to the surface in excess of 60 mph. We are also very close to the center of this low pressure system in the afternoon which means the storms also have the potential to rotate which could lead to an isolated tornado threat. Be sure to stay alert through the afternoon and have multiple ways to receive warnings like using our WHIO Weather App, a Weather Radio or listen to our radio partners at 95.7 F.M. during your afternoon drive.
STRONG WINDS
This is the fourth or fifth storm system to produce strong synoptic winds this winter. Another word for synoptic is large scale. Widespread winds will be out of the east during the day then the northwest for the evening. Driving this afternoon, gusts could reach 40-50mph. The crosswind during the day will be on I-75. This evening, when the winds shift and come from the northwest, the crosswind will be along I-70. Even after the rain and storms end, there will still be several hours of wind gusts around 40mph into the night.
Be safe today and take steps to prepare your home and family from the threat of flooding and damaging winds. Your Storm Center 7 Team will be tracking the latest throughout the day and night.
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