AEP meteorologists anticipate severe thunderstorms containing damaging winds the Icon readership area later today. Here's AEP's announcement:

A cold front in Illinois will move into I&M Power just as an upper-level disturbance (now over Missouri) arrives. Ample sunshine & humidity will generate moderate instability by afternoon as temperatures reach the low-mid 80s.

Expect a broken line of severe storms to organize over Indiana midday...then cross eastern I&M Power (Ft. Wayne, Muncie) early this afternoon.

A broken line (or lines) of severe storms will continue through AEP Ohio mid-afternoon through evening. While widespread damaging winds are not expected...scattered damaging wind gusts of 60-70 m.p.h. will be problematic for the utilities. Thunderstorms should weaken before reaching Wheeling, W.V. after dark.

Today’s threat includes several large population centers such as Ft. Wayne, Columbus, and Canton. By tomorrow...more tranquil weather should return to Ohio and I&M Power.