Powerful Storms with Large Hail Threaten Ohio Valley

By Bill Deger, Meteorologist

Apr 1, 2012; 10:27 AM ET

The weather that will ring in April across parts of the lower Midwest and Appalachians will be no joke.
Powerful thunderstorms capable of dropping damaging hailstones will be on the prowl today from Indiana this morning to the hills of Kentucky and the Appalachian Mountains this afternoon and evening.
Strong wind gusts and an isolated tornado or two will also be possible.
Millions of people will be in the path for these storms, including the Indianapolis area this morning, and then later around Louisville and Lexington, Ky.; Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio; and Charleston, W.Va.
About a week ago, storms of a similar nature pounded both the Ohio Valley and parts of the mid-Atlantic with plenty of damaging hail.
Once again today, hail will be the predominant threat from any storm. In addition, the hailstones have the potential to be very large, up to the size of golf balls which is more than enough to shatter car windshields and cause some property damage.
Similar to storms that formed on Saturday in the Southeast, as well as eastern Iowa, hail could even cover the ground for a time in some areas.

Strong wind gusts, perhaps greater than 50 mph, could also accompany storms.
The combination of the wind, hail and heavy rain will also drop visibilities to dangerously low levels for motorists.
If you become caught up in one of these storms while driving, it is recommended that you pull over to the side of the road and wait it out. Better yet, follow the storms at home on AccuWeather.com in order to keep your car safe from potential hail damage.
While a widespread outbreak is not expected, an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out in some of the stronger storms.
A much more significant severe weather episode, complete with an enhanced threat for tornadoes, will impact the Plains beginning late on Monday.

Powerful Storms with Large Hail Threaten Ohio Valley