A Tornado Watch is now in effect for Butler County and much of southwest Ohio until 5 o’clock Thursday morning as a dangerous storm system moves toward the region.

The National Weather Service says conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes overnight. Forecasters say a cluster of strong storms moving in from Illinois and Indiana is expected to push into the area late tonight into early Thursday morning. The main threats include wind gusts up to 75 miles per hour, heavy rain, hail up to an inch and a half in diameter, and the possibility of a few tornadoes—some of which could be strong. Butler County is among 15 Ohio counties included in the Tornado Watch , along with Hamilton, Warren, Clermont, Clinton, Montgomery, and Preble counties. The National Weather Service says storms may arrive around or after midnight and continue through the overnight hours. Meanwhile, the City of Hamilton is urging residents to prepare now before heading to bed. Officials recommend turning on weather alerts, charging phones and flashlights, securing outdoor furniture and loose items, and moving pets indoors if possible.

Residents are also encouraged to identify a safe place in their home—preferably an interior room on the lowest floor and away from windows—in case warnings are issued overnight. Hamilton utility crews say they’re prepared to respond to possible power outages. Residents can check outage information through the city’s outage map or call 513-785-7550 to report outages not listed. Stay with WMOH and the National Weather Service for updates as conditions change overnight.

(Editor's Note: AI-Assisted Copy)