Almost 2 MILLION people are without power this evening after one of the most destructive derechos in recent memory tore an 800 mile path from Illinois to the Atlantic Coast. Two people are confirmed dead, with at least 6 more injured. 750 wind damage reports have come in so far, with the number likely to climb as the light of day sets in and damage is realized and reported.
This event could happen all over again in almost exactly the same way it played out today. I'll have a diary up at 11AM detailing the situation.
(Title updated)
A meteorological phenomenon known as a progressive derecho, or a line of thunderstorms with a long history of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 MPH, is about to tear through the state of Ohio.
The strongest winds will be along the leading edge of the storms. You will likely see a beautiful shelf cloud as the line approaches your location, but don't stick around to stare at it. Get inside immediately and get away from windows.
The line of storms will continue to speed off to the southeast into the state of Ohio. All the major cities are in play -- Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati. The radar is clocking winds of 95 MPH just a few thousand feet off the ground, and it won't take much for a downdraft to shove those incredibly strong winds down to the surface.
If you're in central or southern Ohio right now, you need to get ready for this destructive line of storms.
Update 830PM EDT: Brace yourselves, Virginia. If the derecho survives the mountains, it's lights out until this thing hits the ocean. 409 reports of wind damage, hail, and tornadoes so far, and it's going to continue.
Update 701PM EDT: New severe t'storm watch for West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. This derecho shows no signs of letting up, though it could devolve rapidly if its cold pool marches too far ahead of the convection. Don't assume that it'll die. Start preparing for damaging straight-line winds.
Update 549PM EDT: The blue W's are reports of wind damage or gusts over 60MPH, and the green H's are hail reports. 170 reports so far, and they're going to continue to roll in as the derecho pushes east-southeast.
Update 547PM EDT: Most of southern/central Ohio is under a severe thunderstorm warning (the yellow shading). The storms will spread into West Virginia, Kentucky, and southwestern Pennsylvania over the next hour or two.
1:14 PM PT: The radar is picking up 105 MPH winds in Miami County, OH right now. This is an incredibly strong derecho.