CLEVELAND, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for a broad swath of north central and northwest Ohio, effective from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT Friday.

Meteorologists warn of sustained southwest winds between 25 and 35 mph, with powerful gusts expected to peak at 60 mph. The intense wind event is expected to cause widespread property damage, including downed trees and power lines.

Utility companies are bracing for “widespread power outages” across the region as the storm system moves through.

The warning covers a significant portion of the state, including the counties of Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie, Lorain, Hancock, Seneca, Huron, Wyandot, Crawford, Richland, Ashland, Marion, Morrow, and Knox.

Affected municipalities include major hubs and residential areas such as:

  • Northwest: Toledo, Perrysburg, Bowling Green, and Port Clinton.
  • North Central: Mansfield, Sandusky, Elyria, Lorain, and Ashland.
  • Central/South: Marion, Mount Vernon, Findlay, and Bucyrus.

Transportation officials cautioned that travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles on east-west routes like the Ohio Turnpike and U.S. Route 30.

Safety officials advise residents to remain in the lower levels of their homes and stay away from windows during the peak of the windstorm. Outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other loose objects should be secured or brought indoors before Friday morning.

“Watch for falling debris and tree limbs,” the National Weather Service stated in its Thursday afternoon briefing. “Use extreme caution if you must drive.”

The wind is expected to diminish late Friday evening, though scattered power interruptions may persist into the weekend.