It's a 9 First Warning Weather Alert Day! Strong to severe storms will pass through the Tri-State this afternoon and into the evening. Damaging wind is our most likely problem, but a couple pockets of hail and a couple tornadoes are also possible.
The WCPO 9 First Warning Weather Team is tracking the weather and will have live updates throughout the noon news, and hourly updates starting at 1 p.m.:
There is also a lot of moisture in the atmosphere, so these storms will come with very heavy rain at times, which could cause more flash flooding. As a result, a Flood Watch is in effect of the rest of the day.
9 FIRST WARNING: A Flood Watch is in effect for the rest of Tuesday for Cincinnati and areas farther south, but the flash flood threat is not limited to these areas. Keep kids away from high water, and if you come across a flooded road, Turn Around, Don't Drown. pic.twitter.com/ZPJ8oA0TAK
— Mark Stitz (@MarkStitz) July 21, 2026
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the Tri-State under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather, while communities across the southeastern part of the area are under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5). That means numerous severe storms are possible in those locations.
Primary threats include:
- Damaging straight-line winds as the greatest concern.
- Large hail capable of damaging vehicles and property.
- An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
- Locally heavy rainfall that could lead to isolated flooding.
Aside from the storms, it will be warm, humid and breezy, with wind gusts around 25 mph ahead of an approaching cold front. Once the front moves through this evening, showers and storms will gradually come to an end.
Looking Ahead:
- Wednesday & Thursday: Sunny, less humid and comfortable with highs near 80.
- Friday: Mostly sunny and seasonable.
- Weekend: Dry with plenty of sunshine as highs gradually warm back into the low 80s.
TUESDAY
Rain & storms develop
Severe weather likely
High: 85
TUESDAY NIGHT
Storms ending early
Partly cloudy
Low: 66
WEDNESDAY
Becoming sunny
Lower humidity
High: 76
