Indiana, Ohio Special Weather Statement | Effective 05/18/2026 15:24

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued May 18 at 6:24PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
May 18, 2026 - 3:24pm
Expires: 
May 18, 2026 - 4:00pm
Description: 
At 623 PM EDT, strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Hagerstown to 6 miles southeast of Connersville, moving east at 40 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph, pea size hail, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and very heavy rain. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Hail may cause minor damage to vegetation. Lightning can cause serious injury or death. Visibility will be poor and hydroplaning is possible. Locations impacted include... Richmond, Connersville, Greenville, Eaton, Centerville, Cambridge City, Liberty, Arcanum, Camden, Lewisburg, Hagerstown, New Paris, West Alexandria, New Madison, Gratis, Fountain City, Salem, Waterloo, Abington, and Brownsville. This includes the following Interstates... I-70 in Indiana between mile markers 136 and 156. I-70 in Ohio between mile markers 0 and 15.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution. When thunder roars, go indoors! Do not stay in the open or seek shelter under trees when lightning threatens. Residents in these areas should remain alert. If these storms become stronger, then a warning may be needed. To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can do so safely.
Area Description: 
Wayne; Fayette; Union; Darke; Preble
Forcast Office: 
NWS Wilmington OH