CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Widespread rain is finally expected across Northeast Ohio Monday afternoon and evening, offering some relief to drought-stricken and abnormally dry areas.

Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms were expected to appear through the morning, but the more organized round of wet weather is set to arrive this afternoon, according to forecasters at the Cleveland office of the National Weather Service.

Showers and storms will move in from the southwest, spreading eastward as the evening wears on.

The heaviest and most persistent rain is likely along and east of Interstate 71. Thunderstorms will be capable of producing heavy downpours, which may briefly make driving difficult, but flooding is not anticipated.

A few of the stronger storms, mainly in the Akron area, could br

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