NWS: Thunderstorms, flooding possible in Columbus as weekend full of events begins

Slow-moving downpours are set to cover a large chunk of Ohio Friday, including the Columbus area.

These rainclouds could drop one to two inches of rain per hour in some locations and could cause flash flooding in urban and low-lying areas, according to a forecaster discussion from NOAA's Weather Prediction Center. The National Weather Service in Wilmington tweeted shortly after 5:30 p.m. that funnel clouds are possible.

Forecasters specifically predicted heavy rainfall near and north of Interstate 70, which runs through downtown Columbus.

A severe thunderstorm moved through central Ohio Thursday night, knocking out power for thousands with wind gusts up to 60 mph. More wind and storms are in the National Weather Service's weekend forecast.

At its peak, 12,000 people were without power in southeast Columbus overnight. That number dropped to around 3,000 Friday morning.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to "increase in coverage" this afternoon and continue into the evening before diminishing overnight, according to a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

Related article: Ohio State Fair forecast: Rainy start to fair, but clear conditions for the weekend likely

Gusty winds and localized flooding caused by heavy rainfall are the storms' primary risks, but damaging winds could be possible if any of the storms become severe, according to the weather outlook. Between a tenth and a quarter inch of rain is expected during the day Friday.

Dublin Irish Festival temporarily suspended due to lightning

Friday's storms and potential heavy rainfall could impact the first day of the Dublin Irish Festival , an annual Irish cultural festival that regularly attracts over 100,000 visitors.

The festival tweeted shortly after 6 p.m. that the incoming storm posed a possible hazard and asked patrons to evacuate. Gates reopened at 7 p.m. once the worst of the storm passed. But that didn't stop the party goers, according to Madi Kregel, public information officer for the city of Dublin.

"Festival goers kept the party going with dancing and music in the city shelters," Kreger said in an email.

Organizers said earlier Friday that they would alert visitors via the festival's app and at each stage. Volunteers and event staff will also provide updates on the weather.

The festival has three shelters for severe weather, they are:

• Dublin Development Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway
• Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road
• Dublin Coffman High School, 6780 Coffman Road

Festival goers can also use the Coffman Park Pavilion as a shelter against the rain or any of the festival's many tents. The pavilion and the tents are for rain only and not for lightning, tornadoes or high winds, according to the festival's website .

Storms could continue into Saturday, affect Pelotonia

Pelotonia's opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin Friday evening Downtown. The cancer-cure fundraiser is scheduled to begin late in the afternoon on the grounds of McFerson Commons and North Bank Park.

While the storms may diminish overnight Friday, they may continue into Saturday, the main bike riding day of Pelotonia's weekend. Saturday's weather won't be as damaging; the NWS says there's a low probability of hazardous weather then.

The ride will likely continue even if it rains, The Dispatch previously reported .

Here's a detailed forecast from NWS Wilmington so you can prepare your weekend plans.

Columbus weather for the week of August 2, 2024

• Friday : There's a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3 p.m., then showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms are likely after 5 p.m. It'll be mostly cloudy with a high near 87. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Between a tenth and a quarter inch of rain is expected, but more could fall if it storms.
• Tonight : Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 9 p.m. There will be patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, it'll be mostly cloudy with a low around 69. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected, but more could fall if it storms.
• Saturday : There's a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. There will be patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise it'll be partly sunny with a high near 86. The chance of precipitation is 40%. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected, but more could fall if it storms.
• Saturday Night : It'll be mostly clear with a low around 67.
• Sunday : It'll be sunny with a high near 91.
• Sunday Night : It'll be mostly clear with a low around 68.
• Monday : It'll be mostly sunny with a high near 91.
• Monday Night : It'll be partly cloudy with a low around 69.
• Tuesday : There's a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Otherwise, it'll be mostly sunny with a high near 92. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Tuesday Night : There's a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. It'll be partly cloudy with a low around 69. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Wednesday : It'll be mostly sunny with a high near 85.
• Wednesday Night : It'll be partly cloudy with a low around 63.
• Thursday : It'll be mostly sunny with a high near 84.

NHart@dispatch.com

@NathanRHart

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: NWS: Thunderstorms, flooding possible in Columbus as weekend full of events begins