Alert archive / Ohio / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 5, NWS Cleveland, OH

March 31, 2026Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, Ohio

NWS Cleveland, OH issued this tornado warning at Mar 31, 2026, 5:31 PM EDT for Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, Ohio. It was in force for 29 min. 8 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Mar 31, 2026, 5:31 PM EDT (21:31 UTC)
Expired
Mar 31, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
In force
29 min
Issued by
NWS Cleveland, OH
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

Counties Cuyahoga County, OH, Geauga County, OH, Lake County, OH

The radar

The Cleveland radar (KCLE), 37 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:30 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Mar 31, 5:31 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGCleveland, OHWindows of a high rise office building at East 9th St and St. Clair Ave blown out due to thunderstorm wind gusts.
Mar 31, 5:32 PM EDTTSTM WND GST 711 Nne Cleveland, OHASOS station KBKL Cleveland.
Mar 31, 5:40 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG1 Se Mayfield, OHLarge tree down on powerlines leading to a road closure. Time estimated via radar.
Mar 31, 5:44 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG2 Sw Kirtland, OHLarge tree down on Beachwood Drive.
Mar 31, 5:45 PM EDTTSTM WND GST 611 Nne Highland Heights, OHAWOS station KCGF.
Mar 31, 5:49 PM EDTTORNADO3 Se Chesterland, OHA NWS storm damage survey confirmed an EF1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 100 mph in the Chesterland area. This is the start point of the tornado. The damage path length is 1.53 miles and maximum width is 120 yards.
Mar 31, 5:52 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGMentor, OHTrees and powerlines down on Hopkins Road.
Mar 31, 5:55 PM EDTTSTM WND GST 652 Sw Aquilla, OH65 mph gust and dime size hail.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Mar 31, 2:59 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Pittsburgh, PA (KPIT), launched 12:00Z, 9.5 hours before the alert went out and 171 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Pittsburgh, PA at 12:00Z on 2026-03-31Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Pittsburgh, PA at 12:00Z on 2026-03-31The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 363 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
890 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
363 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
374 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

473 
WFUS51 KCLE 312131
TORCLE
OHC035-055-085-312215-
/O.NEW.KCLE.TO.W.0005.260331T2131Z-260331T2215Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
531 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Western Geauga County in northeastern Ohio...
  Northeastern Cuyahoga County in northeastern Ohio...
  Southwestern Lake County in northeastern Ohio...

* Until 615 PM EDT.

* At 531 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located over Cleveland, moving east at 65 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Cleveland, Euclid, Cleveland Heights, Solon, Warrensville Heights, 
  and Highland Hills around 535 PM EDT.
  Willowick, Willoughby, Eastlake, and Chesterland around 540 PM 
  EDT.
  Chardon, Mentor, and South Russell around 545 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Waite
Hill, Bratenahl, Mentor-On-The-Lake, Richmond Heights, Parma Heights,
North Randall, Moreland Hills, Brooklyn, Shaker Heights, and
Warrensville Heigh.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4144 8113 4138 8177 4151 8183 4153 8173
      4175 8139 4180 8124
TIME...MOT...LOC 2131Z 250DEG 56KT 4146 8169 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Jaszka
3 follow-up statements
296 
WWUS51 KCLE 312141
SVSCLE

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
541 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

OHC035-055-085-312215-
/O.CON.KCLE.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260331T2215Z/
Geauga OH-Cuyahoga OH-Lake OH-
541 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM EDT FOR WESTERN
GEAUGA...NORTHEASTERN CUYAHOGA AND SOUTHWESTERN LAKE COUNTIES...

At 540 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Highland Hills, or 10 miles east of Cleveland,
moving east at 65 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado. Vortices capable of producing tornadoes were 
         located near Shaker Heights and Bedford Heights at 5:40 PM.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

Locations impacted include...
Cleveland, Painesville, Willowick, Chardon, Fairport Harbor, Euclid,
Mentor, Cleveland Heights, Solon, Willoughby, Eastlake, Warrensville
Heights, South Russell, Burton, Highland Hills, Timberlake, Lakeline,
Chesterland, Garfield Heights, and Shaker Heights.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4144 8113 4144 8114 4143 8119 4140 8156
      4140 8157 4160 8162 4175 8139 4180 8124
TIME...MOT...LOC 2140Z 255DEG 58KT 4147 8147 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Jaszka
429 
WWUS51 KCLE 312154
SVSCLE

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
554 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

OHC035-312204-
/O.CAN.KCLE.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260331T2215Z/
Cuyahoga OH-
554 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN CUYAHOGA COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out 
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
northeastern Ohio.

LAT...LON 4144 8113 4143 8119 4142 8134 4176 8137
      4180 8124
TIME...MOT...LOC 2154Z 251DEG 57KT 4156 8121 

$$

OHC055-085-312215-
/O.CON.KCLE.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260331T2215Z/
Geauga OH-Lake OH-
554 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM EDT FOR WESTERN
GEAUGA AND SOUTH CENTRAL LAKE COUNTIES...

At 554 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Chardon, moving east at 65 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

Locations impacted include...
Painesville, Chardon, Fairport Harbor, Mentor, South Russell, Burton,
Chesterland, Mentor-On-The-Lake, Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Grand
River, and Aquilla.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4144 8113 4143 8119 4142 8134 4176 8137
      4180 8124
TIME...MOT...LOC 2154Z 251DEG 57KT 4156 8121 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Jaszka
054 
WWUS51 KCLE 312200
SVSCLE

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
600 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

OHC055-085-312210-
/O.CAN.KCLE.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260331T2215Z/
Geauga OH-Lake OH-
600 PM EDT Tue Mar 31 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR WESTERN GEAUGA AND SOUTH CENTRAL LAKE
COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has weakened. 
moved out of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been 
cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for
northeastern Ohio.

LAT...LON 4144 8113 4143 8119 4142 8134 4176 8137
      4180 8124
TIME...MOT...LOC 2159Z 250DEG 56KT 4160 8108 

$$

Jaszka

The office that day

Everything else NWS Cleveland, OH issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 31, 3:25 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCLEHancock, Lucas, Wood50 min
Mar 31, 3:46 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatCLELucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Wood59 min
Mar 31, 3:49 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningCLE55 min
Mar 31, 3:54 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningCLE96 min
Mar 31, 3:59 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatCLEErie, Hancock, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and 1 more46 min
Mar 31, 4:37 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningCLE83 min
Mar 31, 4:40 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatCLEAshland, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Huron, Lorain and 4 more50 min
Mar 31, 5:25 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatCLEAshland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and 4 more50 min
Mar 31, 5:57 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningCLE63 min
Mar 31, 5:58 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatCLEAshtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Portage, Summit and 1 more48 min
Mar 31, 6:14 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCLEPortage46 min
Mar 31, 7:15 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCLECuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and 1 more45 min
Mar 31, 7:15 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCLEMahoning22 min
Mar 31, 7:48 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatCLEHancock, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood42 min
Mar 31, 7:55 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningCLECuyahoga, Geauga, Lake5 hr

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Ohio, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.