Before the polar vortex sweeps across Ohio, severe weather stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes could bring severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, flooding and possibly tornadoes to the state on Thursday night, March 12, 2026, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
“This setup has the potential to trigger the most widespread and impactful severe weather outbreak so far this year,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Courtney Travis said in a release. “Strong winds aloft, abundant moisture from the Gulf and stark temperature contrasts combine to create an environment conducive to tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and hail.”
Here’s the weather forecast for Ohio.
Severe storms are expected to begin moving across Ohio on the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, March 10, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
Severe thunderstorms are expected to expand from Texas into southern Michigan from Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night.
AccuWeather meteorologists predict a high risk for severe weather on Tuesday in parts of Texas, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa.
By Wednesday and Wednesday night, the severe weather threat will shift eastward, covering more than a dozen states from eastern Texas to Pennsylvania and upstate New York. Hail, damaging wind gusts of 60-70 mph and isolated tornadoes are still possible as the storm moves into the Great Lakes. The risk of severe weather will shift to the East Coast on Thursday.
Severe storms are expected in Ohio on Wednesday, March 11, AccuWeather meteorologists predict.
Flash flood threat in Ohio Valley
Additional rainfall brought by this round of severe weather may trigger flash flooding. Recent heavy rains have saturated soil in parts of the Plains and Ohio Valley.
“In areas that have been hit by storms and heavy downpours over the past few days, it won’t take much additional rainfall to cause flash flooding,” Travis said. “These storms will bring some beneficial rainfall to areas from Texas to Ohio that are experiencing severe drought.”
How to stay safe during severe weather and tornadoes in Ohio
If severe weather or tornadoes are forecast in Ohio, the National Weather Service has some tips on how to stay safe:
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Get to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or a small indoor room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
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Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.
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Do not walk under overpasses or bridges. It is safer in low, flat areas.
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Beware of flying debris that can cause injury or death.
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Protect your head and neck with your arms.
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If you are unable to stay home, plan to go to a public shelter.
AccuWeather added the following:
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Keep your phone fully charged
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Turn on severe weather notifications
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Make sure the alarm is loud enough to wake you up during the night
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There are several ways to receive warnings, such as weather radio or other apps on your phone
“Never rely solely on tornado sirens outside, as they may not be heard indoors,” Travis said.
This article originally appeared in The Columbus Dispatch: Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes hit Ohio. Check the weather forecast
