Strong Wind — Jefferson, Ohio

2023-03-25 · Jefferson, Ohio

Event narrative

Gusts of up to 53 MPH were measured at Jefferson County Airport, with the peak close to 3 PM. In Steubenville, a tree reportedly fell on to a home on Alexander Manor West. Shingles were also blown off of the roof of Holy Family Church on Pico Street.

Wider weather episode

Heavy rain occurred along a stationary boundary that was in place in eastern Ohio on the 24th. Widespread rain amounts of 1 to 2 inches were reported. The most concentrated area of heavy rain was in Noble County, where up to 2.3 inches fell. This led to several flooded roads into the afternoon. The rain slackened somewhat by the 25th. However, strong surface low pressure developed further west on the front and tracked across Michigan and into eastern Canada on the 25th, along a track that is climatologically favored for strong wind events in the Upper Ohio Valley. The boundary, now an occluded front, crossed on the morning of the 25th and was the catalyst to bring strong wind to the surface. A tight pressure gradient behind the front kept gusty wind going into the early evening. Widespread instances of 50 to 60 MPH wind gusts were reported, and several wind damage reports were received.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1089528. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.