Moderate risk for severe storms

CINCINNATI - The Storm Prediction Center has placed the Tri-State under a moderate risk for severe storms on Thursday.  The last time we were under this risk level was March 2 when deadly tornadoes tore through the region.

The National Weather Service has place the entire Tri-State under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m.

There is the potential for widespread damaging wind, large hail and a relatively enhanced tornado risk within the risk zone.  This is a good time to download our 9 News weather app and our newest weather app the Storm Shield Weather Radio.

A warm front moving over the Tri-State will reinforce the stifling heat in place. An Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisories will continue on Thursday.

A fast moving cold front will approach from the west.  As that energy moves into our moist and unstable air mass, this will produce numerous thunderstorms which will form ahead of the cold front.

Unidirectional wind profiles and steep low-level lapse rates should support clusters of thunderstorms with bowing segments and embedded super-cell structure. Right now, the time frame suggest evening storms.  However, timing can always change.

To download the Storm Shield Weather Radio app go to http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/weather/safety/9-news-introduces-severe-weather-radio-app-storm-shield-for-iphone

View a photo gallery of yesterday's storm damage at http://www.wcpo.com/gallery/news/news_photo_gallery/storms-roll-through-the-tri-state-on-july-24-2012

To stay up to date with the latest forecast and what to expect, visit wcpo.com/forecast .

To get severe weather alerts in your inbox or texted to your phone as they are issued, go to wcpo.com/alerts .

To map the severe weather as it moves across the Tri-State, visit http://www.wcpo.com/subindex/weather/maps .

Need the latest weather information on the go? Download WCPO’s mobile apps to keep in touch wherever you are at wcpo.com/mobile , including our new weather radio app at http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/weather/safety/9-news-introduces-severe-weather-radio-app-storm-shield-for-iphone .