Downdraft winds from thunderstorms often reach destructive force in Ohio. What makes these winds so damaging is the rapid increase in local wind speeds when downbursts strike. Winds that rapidly jump from 10 to 60 mph can produce more damage than sustained 60 mph wind. Frequently, damage that is attributed to tornadoes is actually due to the straight-line winds of a downburst. In Ohio the frequent occurence of downburst winds makes it imperative that the threat of non-tornadic severe thunderstorms be taken seriously as severe thunderstorms with tornadoes.
Large hailstones can develop within strong thunderstorm updrafts.
The stronger the updraft is, the larger the stones that can be held up in the updraft without falling to the ground. Severe thunderstorm in Ohio usually produce hailstones one inch in diameter or smaller. A few of the storms produce golfball to baseball size hailstones which cause substantial damage. The most severe thunderstorm across the country have been known to produce up to grapefruit size hailstones. The potential for deaths, injuries, and damage from severe thunderstorms makes it imperative that our preparedness plans include thunderstorm safety and that we heed Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.