Severe storms are likely again Wednesday evening into the early night for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, followed by heavy rain continuing through the weekend that poses a risk of flooding.

Portions of Hamilton County, Butler County, Boone County, Gallatin County and counties in eastern Indiana now have a moderate chance – level 4 of 5 – for severe weather, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

Forecasters say damaging winds, a few tornadoes and flash flooding are possible in the region Wednesday evening, particularly across western and southern parts of the area. There’s also a risk of large hail.

A wind advisory is in effect in Greater Cincinnati from 10 a.m. Wednesday to midnight. South winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

Gusty winds may blow around unsecured objects during this time. Tree limbs could also be blown down, and a few power outages may occur as a result.

‘Enhanced risk’ for thunderstorms, severe weather across half of Ohio, including Columbus and Cincinnati today

The western half of Ohio has an “enhanced risk” of severe weather through 8 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. Cities covered by the warning include Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis and more.

According to the forecast, tornado outbreaks are expected today and tonight from parts of the lower Mississippi Valley into the Mid-South and lower Ohio Valley, including southern Illinois and Indiana, and western Kentucky.

Tornadoes, severe wind gusts and large hail are also possible across a broad area from north Texas to the southern Great Lakes.

An expected 2 to 4 inches of rain, particularly along the Interstate 70 corridor, could cause flash flooding, forecasters added.

Shortly after sunrise, some showers and thunderstorms are expected but will likely taper off by the early afternoon. The bulk of Wednesday’s severe weather is expected to begin in the evening, continuing through the night until about 2 a.m.

The weather service says severe weather is supposed to reach the Cincinnati area between 9 p.m. and midnight, moving further east between midnight and 3 a.m.

The pause from rainfall will likely be just that, as forecasters say widespread showers and thunderstorms will continue in waves each night until Sunday morning.

Is there a risk of flooding this week?

Most of the region is under a flood watch until Sunday morning. Soils remain moist and excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, forecasters said.

The Ohio River at Cincinnati is expected to see some slight flooding, with a forecasted peak at 47.4 feet by Sunday morning. At that level, water affects some areas of Coney Island and the Riverbend Music Center floods. High water also affects some yards in California, Ohio.

This can all change, and the risk of flooding depends on where you are in the region, forecasters said.

Officials are encouraging residents to stay alert and prepare for the storms. Residents in Hamilton County, Ohio, can sign up for emergency text alerts through AlertHC here.

The storms come just two days after four confirmed tornadoes struck the region Sunday night, joined by severe thunderstorms and strong winds.

‘Slight’ risk of severe storms on Thursday in southern Ohio

On Thursday, there’s still a chance of severe weather, but it’s less than today. Per the weather service, there’s a “slight” risk of severe storms across southern Ohio, including Cincinnati, while the rest of the state has a “marginal” risk.

Detailed 7-day weather forecast for Cincinnati

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Breezy, with an east wind 7 to 12 mph becoming south 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, followed by showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low of around 64. South wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible.

Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers likely between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 71. West wind around 6 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low of around 54. Light northeast wind. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible.

Friday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. High near 67. East wind around 6 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible.

Friday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low of around 60. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible.

Saturday: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 76. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday: Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 59. The chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 52.

This story will be updated.

Reporter Chad Murphy contributed to this report.

Source: National Weather Service office in Wilmington, Ohio