Cleveland, Ohio – Evening commuters in northeast Ohio should brace for damaging winds and intense lightning as thunderstorms surge through the region late Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, the storms developed ahead of a cold front Monday afternoon and are expected to continue into the evening. Bowing line segments—often linked with damaging gusts—are the main threat, though small hail and isolated power outages remain possible.
The most significant risk area includes Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown, where wind gusts could exceed 50 mph. These storms may cause downed trees, scattered power outages, and travel disruptions, especially along I-76, I-77, and I-90 corridors.
Emergency management agencies urge residents to secure loose outdoor items, stay indoors during lightning, and monitor alerts via NOAA Weather Radio or weather.gov. Those traveling should delay plans or check conditions before heading out, particularly in the eastern counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, Mahoning, and Trumbull.
Storm activity is likely to taper off by late evening, but additional weather statements or warnings may be issued if new cells develop.
