Ohio Special Weather Statement | Effective 05/18/2026 13:44

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued May 18 at 4:44PM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
May 18, 2026 - 1:44pm
Expires: 
May 18, 2026 - 2:15pm
Description: 
At 444 PM EDT, strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Spencerville In Allen County to near Union City, moving east at 30 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... Greenville, Celina, Wapakoneta, St. Marys, Coldwater, Fort Shawnee, New Bremen, St. Henry, Cridersville, Union City, Ansonia, New Knoxville, Moulton, Wayne Lakes, Mendon, Chickasaw, Burkettsville, North Star, Buckland, and Rossburg. This includes I-75 in Ohio between mile markers 114 and 118. 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. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 600 PM EDT for west central Ohio. 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: 
Mercer; Auglaize; Darke
Forcast Office: 
NWS Wilmington OH