Cleveland, Ohio – A fast-moving thunderstorm swept through northeastern Lake and northern Ashtabula counties early Friday, bringing wind gusts up to 55 mph and penny-sized hail to the shoreline and inland towns.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, radar tracked the storm over Fairport Harbor at 2:29 a.m., moving east at 45 mph. Areas affected include Painesville, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ashtabula, and Conneaut, with impacts expected until at least 3:15 a.m.
Wind gusts strong enough to down tree limbs and scatter unsecured objects are the primary concern, along with minor hail damage to vegetation. Emergency management teams advise residents to move indoors if outside and secure loose items like patio furniture and garbage bins.
The storm is impacting several key communities along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Perry, North Madison, and Kingsville. While no warnings have escalated beyond the special weather statement, continued monitoring is advised due to the storm’s speed and strength.
Additional updates may follow if the system intensifies or spawns further severe weather through Friday morning.
