Mahoning County tornado warning DOWNGRADED to severe storm

YOUNGSTOWN

The National Weather Service has now issued a SEVERE THUNDERTORM WARNING, rather than a TORNADO WARNING, for Mahoning County until 9:30 tonight.

The storm is racing to the northeast and making a beeline toward Austintown/Canfield.

Gusty winds and heavy rains are moving through the Valley. Residents in the warning area of Western Mahoning County are advised to seek shelter -- Ellsworth, Sebring and Beloit. The storm is moving northeast at 60 miles per hour -- very fast forward speeds.

Cloud rotation had been seen around Alliance, according to 21-WFMJ TV, The Vindicator's broadcast partner, which reports no actual evidence of a tornado on the ground at this time.

Tornado sirens sounded throughout the county -- including in downtown Youngstown.

The storm is moving quickly and the warning may have to be expanded to the east. Niles, Girard, Canfield/Austintown, Poland, Hubbard could soon experience heavy weather.

Earlier, tornado sirens are sounding at 8:50 in Trumbull County locations such as Cortland.

The area around Routes 534 and 224 heading toward Ellsworth was an area of immediate concern.

An interior room away from windows, or a basement, are preferred shelter areas.

Residents can watch the live stream of storm and radar coverage on 21-WFMJ TV, mobile app and Facebook.