UPDATED: Storm damage reported across Highland County
Heavy rain and wind, along with a possible tornado, contributed to downed trees and power lines and damage to several buildings in Highland County Friday afternoon.
While the National Weather Service had not yet confirmed whether a tornado touched down in the county as of Friday night, a tornado warning was under effect in Highland County until 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Members of The Highland County Press staff witnessed damage to trees and buildings on Pausch Road in Leesburg, along with downed power lines on Petersburg Road. Storm-related damage was also reported to buildings in the New Vienna area.
The Ohio Department of Transportation reported that state Route 28 in Highland County was closed Friday night between C.R. 45 (McVey Road) and the Clinton County line, approximately one mile east of New Vienna, due to downed telephone lines.
According to the National Weather Service, Highland County is one of many counties in the tri-state area under a flash flood watch through Saturday afternoon, with continued heavy rains expected throughout Friday night and Saturday.
[[In-content Ad]]
“Widespread showers and thunderstorms will occur tonight with additional showers and possibly a thunderstorm on Saturday,” the National Weather Service reported. “With a very moist air mass in place, rain from these showers and thunderstorms may be heavy at times.
“Between one and a half and three inches of rain can be expected with locally higher amounts possible. This rainfall may result in flash flooding.”
The National Weather Service advises counties under a flash flood watch to “be prepared for immediate actions should heavy rains and flooding occur or a flash flood warning be issued.”
Check back to highlandcountypress.com for more updates on severe weather in Highland County.