DAYTON, OHIO — Storms have continued to intensify across southwest Ohio tonight, September 20, with a new Tornado Warningincluding Monroe and Lebanon and a Severe Storm Warning for 60 mph winds covering Dayton and Xenia, according to a radar update from BAMWeather based on current radar at 8:09 p.m. ET. These risks should continue through at least 10 p.m. before forecasters note any weakening.
Monroe and Lebanon Under an Active Tornado Warning Right Now
If you’re in Monroe or Lebanon, you are currently under a Tornado Warning, the most serious warning category issued for this storm. Radar shows a defined red-outlined polygoncovering this area, including nearby South Lebanon, extending south toward Harveysburg. If you’re anywhere inside this warned area, take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room away from windows, and don’t wait to see the storm before acting.
Dayton and Xenia Face a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for 60 Mph Winds
Just north of the tornado-warned area, Daytonand Xenia are both under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, shown as the yellow-outlined polygon on radar, specifically for 60 mph wind gusts. That kind of wind speed is capable of snapping tree limbs, downing power lines and causing damage to outbuildings, so if you’re in either city right now, move away from windows and secure anything loose outside as quickly as possible.
Middletown, Trenton and Franklin Sit Directly in the Path of the Storm’s Core
Radar shows the most intense part of tonight’s storm, marked by deep reds and oranges indicating the heaviest rain and strongest embedded winds, tracking directly over Middletown, Trenton and Franklin. If you’re in any of these communities along the Great Miami River, you’re currently experiencing or about to experience the strongest part of this storm complex, so treat any warning covering your location as an immediate call to action.
Kettering, Centerville and Beavercreek Should Stay Alert as Storms Push East
East of Dayton, communities including Kettering, Centerville and Beavercreek sit just ahead of the storm’s current track based on the arrows showing movement on tonight’s radar. If you’re in this stretch of the Daytonmetro, the severe weather currently affecting areas to your west is likely heading your way over the next several minutes to half hour, so now is the time to check your own warning status rather than waiting until the storm arrives.
New Lebanon, Farmersville and Eaton Track the Storm’s Western Edge
On the western side of tonight’s storm complex, New Lebanon, Farmersville and Eaton all show significant radar returns as part of the broader system currently affecting southwest Ohio. If you’re in this part of the region, near the Indiana border, you’re seeing the trailing edge of the same complex responsible for the Dayton and Monroewarnings, meaning localized heavy rain and gusty winds remain possible even outside the most intensely warned areas.
Springfield and Communities to the Northeast See Lighter Activity
Farther northeast, Springfield and surrounding communities show comparatively lighter radar returns tonight, positioned outside the core of the most intense storm activity currently affecting the Dayton and Monroe areas. If you’re in Springfield, keep monitoring conditions, but the most serious warnings tonight remain concentrated to your southwest as of this update.
Risks Expected to Continue Through at Least 10 PM Tonight
Forecasters say these risks should continue through at least 10 p.m. before any weakening is noted, meaning residents across southwest Ohio should not expect tonight’s severe weather threat to end quickly. If you’re anywhere within or near the warned areas covering Dayton, Xenia, Monroe and Lebanon, plan on staying weather aware for at least the next couple of hours rather than assuming the danger has passed after the first warning expires.
Why This Storm Complex Has Both Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Tonight’s setup includes two different warning types because different parts of the same broader storm complex are producing different hazards. The Tornado Warning over Monroeand Lebanon indicates radar has detected rotation strong enough to potentially produce a tornado, while the Severe Thunderstorm Warning over Dayton and Xenia reflects a more straightforward, though still dangerous, threat of damaging straight-line winds without the same rotational signature.
What Residents Across Southwest Ohio Should Do Right Now
If you’re in Monroe, Lebanon or South Lebanon, seek shelter immediately given the active Tornado Warning. If you’re in Dayton, Xenia or nearby communities under the Severe Thunderstorm Warning, move away from windows and prepare for winds capable of causing damage. And if you’re anywhere else across southwest Ohio, including Kettering, Centerville, Beavercreek or Springfield, keep a close eye on your phone or weather radio through at least 10 p.m., since this storm complex remains active and capable of prompting new warnings as it continues moving through the region.
