Dense Fog, Overnight Storms Create Hazardous Conditions Near Columbus
A strong thunderstorm swept through southwestern Ohio Saturday night with 40 mph wind gusts, followed by dense fog Sunday morning that is expected to linger until mid-morning.
WILMINGTON, OHIO — Patchy dense fog covered parts of central and southwestern Ohio early Sunday morning, following strong thunderstorms that moved through the region the previous evening, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington.
The NWS issued a Special Weather Statement at 6:12 a.m. EDT on June 28, warning that rapidly changing visibilities were possible through the mid-morning hours before conditions improve. Drivers were urged to use low-beam headlights and leave additional space between vehicles.
Thunderstorm Swept Through Saturday Night
The overnight weather event began Saturday evening when, at 9:01 p.m. EDT on June 27, the NWS identified a strong thunderstorm over Moores Hill moving northeast at 25 mph. Radar indicated wind gusts up to 40 mph and very heavy rainfall accompanied the storm.
The NWS warned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Hydroplaning was identified as a risk for motorists due to heavy rain and reduced visibility on roadways.
The storm affected travel along two interstate corridors: I-74 in Indiana between mile markers 156 and 171, and I-74 in Ohio between mile markers 0 and 12. Motorists in those areas were advised to slow down and use extra caution.
Communities Affected Across the Region
According to the NWS Special Weather Statement issued Saturday night, the following communities were in the path of the storm:
- Harrison
- Lawrenceburg
- Greendale
- Aurora
- Bright
- Hidden Valley
- Cleves
- Versailles
- Milan
- Dillsboro
- Shawnee
- Moores Hill
- Taylor Creek
- Miami Heights
- Blue Jay
- Mack
- Dry Ridge
- Guilford
- Wilmington
- Logan
Morning Fog Advisory in Effect
As of the 6:12 a.m. alert Sunday, the NWS cautioned that dense fog in the area could persist into the mid-morning hours. The agency recommended that anyone outdoors during Saturday evening’s storm seek shelter inside a sturdy building.
Residents and drivers experiencing hazardous weather conditions were encouraged by the NWS to submit reports at weather.gov/iln or through social media, when it is safe to do so.
