Cleveland, Ohio – A powerful band of storms is stirring up Northeast Ohio Friday with gusty winds, small hail, and another round of weekend thunderstorms likely.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm tracking over Willowick just after 4 a.m. Friday. The storm moved east at 40 mph, impacting Cuyahoga, Lake, Portage, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties. Wind gusts up to 50 mph and hail up to 0.75 inches in diameter were reported — enough to knock down tree limbs and scatter unsecured outdoor items.
Cleveland, Mentor, Chardon, and Fairport Harbor are among the areas facing the brunt of the wind risk today. Commuters should use caution, especially along Interstate 90, where sudden gusts can make highway driving hazardous. Outdoor activities should be limited, and residents are urged to bring in patio furniture and charge devices in case of brief power outages.
Looking ahead, Friday afternoon will be sunny with a high near 77°F, but storm chances return late Friday night into Saturday. Thunderstorms are likely between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Saturday, followed by a chance of additional showers through the afternoon.
Here’s your 5-Day Spring Forecast for Cleveland:
- Saturday: Thunderstorms early, then partly sunny. High near 66°F.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy and dry, high around 69°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 62°F.
- Tuesday: Showers likely, especially overnight. High of 60°F.
- Wednesday: Thunderstorms possible. High of 64°F.
