Tornado Watch covers most of Miami Valley until 5 am — Whio Weather

Whio Weather says a Tornado Watch is in effect for most of the Miami Valley until 5 am Thursday, with storms expected to move through around 2 am or a little after. The same complex of storms had already been producing warnings in Illinois and Indiana.

Miami Valley overnight

The watch covers the overnight period when warnings can be easier to miss, especially if people are sleeping or staying indoors. NOAA weather radio and Wireless Enabled Alerts sent to a phone were described as the most reliable ways to get warnings tonight.

Outdoor tornado sirens were not recommended as the only warning source. The forecast also said a few tornadoes were possible, and a strong tornado could not be ruled out.

Storms around 2 am

The severe threat was expected to end after the storms exit the area around 2 am or a little after. Until then, the watch remains the main alert for most of the Miami Valley, and the timing gives residents a short overnight window to stay alert for warnings.