Severe weather threatens Cincinnati's big weekend with 100,000 expected downtown. What to know to stay safe

Tens of thousands of visitors will descend on Cincinnati for one of its biggest weekends this summer, but severe weather could complicate plans.Visit Cincy said it's expecting upwards of 100,000 people in Cincinnati, with the Omega Psi Phi Grande Conclave, a sold-out Chris Stapleton concert at Paycor Stadium, an FC Cincinnati match, a Reds game and Paddlefest all taking place this weekend."We have booked over 25 hotels from Northern Kentucky to north of Cincinnati," Visit Cincy Vice President of Operations Deana Brewer said.Brewer said the city is expecting about 30,000 people connected to the Omega Psi Phi Grande Conclave alone over the next four to five days. It's the largest convention Cincinnati has hosted since the World Choir Games more than 14 years ago.WATCH: What to know about Cincinnati's big weekend and weather impacts What to know about Cincinnati's big weekend and weather impactsFriday marks the calm before the storm. Saturday brings the threat of widespread, soaking rainfall lasting for hours, along with thunderstorms.

That could overlap with multiple major events.Visit Cincy is projecting the weekend's economic impact could eclipse the more than $100 million generated by the Cincinnati Music Festival last weekend."We're expecting upwards of that for this weekend alone, especially with the retail and accommodation," Brewer said.The Omega Psi Phi Grande Conclave is the centerpiece of the weekend, marking First Financial Center's first major event since its renovations. Brewer said the timing is significant for Cincinnati's convention industry."We are seeing more and more traction of people wanting to come, bring their companies, bring their corporate conferences and conventions to Cincinnati," she said.For the Conclave itself, Brewer said the weather forecast is less of a concern."Rain or shine, the events will go on. Like I said, the Omegas have a lot of their events inside," Brewer said.

"It's just a matter of bunkering down and maybe bringing that poncho just in case."As of now, the sold-out Chris Stapleton concert at Paycor Stadium and the FC Cincinnati match are both expected to proceed regardless of weather, she said.Concert organizers said people attending should dress appropriately for whatever the forecast brings. In the event of severe weather, organizers said they will communicate with fans through stadium video boards, the PA system…