Weather
Ohio Weather Alert: Severe Storms Could Slam I-77 With Damaging Winds From 4-9 P.M. Sunday
Cleveland, Ohio – Drivers across Northeast Ohio should watch conditions closely through 9 p.m.…
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-09-13T19:51:02.565Z
Cleveland, Ohio – Drivers across Northeast Ohio should watch conditions closely through 9 p.m. Sunday as thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and large hail threaten areas mainly east of Interstate 77. The highest severe storm potential runs from 4 to 9 p.m., putting part of the evening travel period at risk.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, strong to severe thunderstorms are possible late Sunday afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front. Damaging winds are the primary concern, with large hail a secondary threat. Isolated heavy rain could also develop.
Storms had already formed Sunday afternoon along the lake breeze in Northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania but remained below severe levels at the time of the agency's update.
Communities from the Cleveland area south toward Akron, Canton and New Philadelphia should monitor alerts, while locations farther east toward Youngstown, Ashtabula and the Pennsylvania border could face the greater severe threat. Motorists using I 77 and other Northeast Ohio highways should be prepared for sudden downpours, reduced visibility and strong wind gusts.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects and move vehicles under cover when possible. Anyone outdoors should head inside immediately if thunder approaches.
The strongest storm window continues through 9 p.m. Sunday. Additional warnings could be issued quickly if individual storms intensify.