Cleveland, OH – A surge of severe weather will sweep across northeast and central Ohio starting Wednesday evening, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and a risk of tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, thunderstorms will move from west to east across the region late Wednesday into Thursday morning. Areas along and west of the I-77 corridor are at greatest risk for flash flooding, with rainfall expected to intensify through Saturday. Damaging winds, large hail, and even isolated tornadoes are possible, particularly near the Lake Erie shoreline.
Residents in Cleveland, Akron, and surrounding counties should monitor alerts closely and prepare for hazardous travel, especially during Wednesday night and Friday night. Spotter activation may be needed, and officials urge people to report any severe conditions to the NWS.
Wednesday will begin breezy and cloudy, with afternoon highs reaching 65°F. Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 3 p.m., continuing into the night with heavy downpours and gusts up to 35 mph. Rainfall totals could exceed an inch in areas already prone to flooding.
The unsettled weather pattern will persist through the weekend:
- Thursday: High near 67°F. Thunderstorms likely in the morning, followed by scattered showers.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy with highs near 52°F.
- Friday Night: Showers south of Highway 30; flash flooding risk increases.
- Saturday: Showers continue, high near 44°F.
- Sunday and Monday: Cooler and drier, with rain or snow showers possible by Monday.
