Flash Flooding and Hail in Ohio, July 20, 2023

Name: Flash Flooding and Hail in Ohio, July 20, 2023
Start: 2023-07-20T16:39
End: 2023-07-20T21:00
Location: Ohio

July 20, 2023 · NWS CLE · 41 events in 15 counties and zones

A surface low moved generally eastward from east-central Lower MI to the southeastern shore of Lake Huron during the evening of the 20th. Simultaneously, the low's warm front swept northeastward across southern ON and western NY toward the northern shore of Lake Ontario as the low's trailing cold front moved generally eastward across southeastern Lower MI and far-northeastern IN to central Lake…

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $4.0 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 41

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS CLE wrote it up.

Multiple lines and clusters of multicell thunderstorms persisted generally eastward and southeastward across northern OH during the early through mid-evening hours of the 20th and produced sporadic severe hail and straight-line convective wind damage as the storms encountered moderate to strong MUCAPE and effective bulk shear, respectively, within the warm sector. An embedded supercell produced large hail in Westlake, a western suburb of Cleveland. Although the thunderstorms moved progressively across the area, the thunderstorms produced torrential rainfall across Cuyahoga County, with instantaneous rainfall rates of 4 to 5 inches per hour and rainfall totals of 1.75 to 2.5 inches in a period of one hour or less. The torrential rainfall resulted in instances of flash flooding.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Cleveland, OH wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 20, 2:52 PM EST, 1 hour 47 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 20, 2:52 PM EST, 1 hour 47 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
352 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will cross the region late this evening as
low pressure tracks into the eastern Great Lakes tonight. A
trough will linger over the region Friday before high pressure
builds in Friday night and Saturday. Another cold front will
approach late Sunday into Monday.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
A severe weather outbreak remains on track this evening with the
potential for widespread damaging winds (biggest threat), large
hail, a couple of brief spin up tornadoes, torrential rainfall, and
vivid lightning. Current satellite and water vapor loops show a well
defined mid/upper shortwave trough crossing into lower Michigan with
an impressive H3 jet streak of 80-90 knots rotating around the base
of the shortwave. This favorable left exit region is aiding in
vigorous convective development over southern Michigan into northern
Indiana where regional radar loops shows a deepening and expanding
squall line of strong to severe thunderstorms. This line is moving
into an increasingly favorable environment as strong warm/moist
advection in response to the increasing upper divergence pulls rich
low-level moisture northeastward (low 70s dew points) beneath a well
established plume of steep mid-level lapse rates (7 to 7.5 C/Km).
This has already led to a large area of strong instability over
northern Ohio and the Lake Erie area characterized by MLCAPE of 2500-
3000 J/Kg, and SBCAPE of 3500-4000 J/Kg. There has been widespread
clearing behind the first wave of convection that formed in far NE
Ohio and NW PA (which was tied to the moisture/theta e gradient), so
expect some additional surface heating and destabilization ahead of
the organizing QLCS. As the mid/upper shortwave crosses the southern
Great Lakes this evening, the very favorable dynamics combined with
the aforementioned thermodynamics will lead to the line further
strengthening and maturing as it crosses northern Ohio and NW PA
ahead of the trailing cold front. Strong westerly deep layer and
effective shear values of 40-50 knots combined with shear vector
orientation mostly perpendicular to the line supports widespread
damaging winds as the main threat, including swaths of 75+ mph gusts
due to bows and surges in the line. These bows and surges will also
likely lead to a couple of brief QLCS tornadoes, and 0-3 Km shear
values over 30 knots and vectors mostly perpendicular to the line
certainly support this. For these reasons, the 2% tornado and 30%
wind risks in the SWODY1 continue to look very reasonable. Large
hail is most likely in NW Ohio late this afternoon where convection
is still semi discrete. HREF guidance shows 30 to 50% chances for
updraft helicity in this area which indicates mid-level mesocyclone
generation, and this coupled with the steep mid-level lapse rates
could generate swaths of 1 to 2 inch diameter hail. However, the
veering and strengthening low-level jet this evening will solidify
the QLCS and allow the wind threat to dominate farther east, but
some hail up to 1 inch is possible anywhere.

In terms of timing, latest radar and CAMS indicate that the
convection should reach the I-75 corridor including TOL and FDY
around 21Z, the I-71 and I-77 corridors including CLE, MFD, and CAK
between 22 and 2330Z, and far eastern Ohio and western PA including
ERI and YNG between 2330 and 0030Z. These could be give or take an
hour depending on the degree of cold pool organization which will
influence how rapidly the line propagates. Stay safe this evening,
and have multiple ways to receive warnings in case the power goes
out.

The shortwave trough will continue eastward toward the eastern Great
Lakes tonight while becoming negatively tilted as it swings across
New England during the day Friday. This will allow the system to
occlude as the surface low lifts across the Saint Lawrence Valley
Friday morning and becomes stacked beneath the trough as the cold
front surges to the east coast by mid day. Drier air initially
behind the line of convection tonight should bring mainly dry
conditions to all areas by 04 or 05Z, but a surge of wraparound
moisture and surface trough will bring a few showers back to NE Ohio
and NW PA in the 09 to 14Z timeframe. Some of these isolated showers
could linger in NW PA through mid afternoon Friday before broad
surface high pressure building in from the western Great Lakes leads
to clearing skies and dry conditions everywhere by Friday evening.
This high will continue to build in Friday night.

Highs Friday will be refreshingly cooler and less humid with
mid/upper 70s expected. Lows tonight will dip into the low/mid 60s
with upper 50s/low 60s Friday night.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
High pressure should keep the region dry SAturday into Saturday
night. The next upper level trough moves overhead by Sunday
afternoon with increased chances of showers and thunderstorms. These
thunderstorms peak Sunday evening then decrease after midnight.
Temperatures should be near to slightly below seasonal averages over
the weekend.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Showers and thunderstorms will be scattered across the region Monday
as an upper level trough crosses the region. A few
showers/thunderstorms likely linger into Tuesday as the trough
slowly moves east. As high pressure moves east of the region
Wednesday into Thursday it looks like some summer heat moves into
the region. Cant completely rule out isolated thunderstorms during
the afternoon and evening Wednesday and Thursday.

Seasonal temperatures anticipated Monday into Tuesday. Much warmer
Wednesday into Thursday with highs well into the 80. A few lower
90's possible.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z Thursday THROUGH Tuesday/...
An isolated thunderstorm just passed through ERI, and a few
showers will linger in that area for another hour before
clearing. The main concern for TAFs continues to be a line of
severe thunderstorms expected to sweep through the region this
evening bringing torrential rainfall, high winds, frequent
lightning, and pockets of hail. IFR or lower is also likely in
the most intense storms. Adjusted timing based on the latest
radar, satellite, and model data. The storms should reach TOL
and FDY around 20 to 21Z, CLE and MFD around 22 to 23Z, CAK and
YNG around 23 to 00Z, and ERI around 00 to 01Z. Included 2 or 3
hour TEMPOs for these storms with highs winds, heavy rain, and
flight category reductions. There could be scattered storms
ahead of and behind the main line, so padded a few hours of
VCTS. Drier air and VFR should return to all areas by 04Z
tonight before a surface trough brings a few showers to eastern
areas Friday morning, as well as a few hours of MVFR. High
pressure will bring gradual clearing Friday afternoon.

Winds outside of thunderstorms will be generally SW at 10-15
knots this afternoon and evening becoming NW at 5-10 knots
behind the cold front late tonight and Friday morning.

Outlook...Non-VFR possible in lingering showers Friday
afternoon across portions of NE OH and NW PA. Non-VFR may return
in isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms Sunday
afternoon and Monday afternoon.

&&

.MARINE...
Cold front moves across the lake this evening into the overnight.
Strong to severe thunderstorms move across the lake ahead of the
cold front with gust in excess of 50 knots possible. Significant
lighting is also anticipated with the squall line that should
develop. So not a good night for boating on Lake Erie.

Northwest winds expected on the lake Friday in the wake of the cold
front. The slightly longer fetch at 15 knots or so may get waves to
approach 4 feet for the afternoon into the evening from Cleveland to
Ripley. High pressure takes control of the region Friday night, then
persists into Sunday night with overall light winds.

&&

.CLE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OH...None.
PA...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Garuckas
NEAR TERM...Garuckas
SHORT TERM...MM
LONG TERM...MM
AVIATION...Garuckas
MARINE...MM

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 20, 1:55 PM EST, 2 hours 44 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
255 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

LEZ142>149-162>169-OHZ003-006>014-017>023-027>033-036>038-047-089-
PAZ001>003-211900-
Maumee Bay to Reno Beach OH-Reno Beach to The Islands OH-
The Islands to Vermilion OH-Vermilion to Avon Point OH-
Avon Point to Willowick OH-Willowick to Geneva-on-the Lake OH-Geneva-
on-the-Lake to Conneaut OH-Conneaut OH to Ripley NY-
Detroit River Lt. to Maumee Bay OH to Reno Beach OH beyond 5NM
offshoreline to US-Canadian border-
Reno Beach to The Islands OH beyond 5NM off shoreline to US-
Canadian border-
The Islands to Vermilion OH beyond 5 nm off shoreline to US-
Canadian border-
Vermilion to Avon Point OH beyond 5 nm off shoreline to US-
Canadian border-
Avon Point to Willowick OH beyond 5 nm off shoreline to US-
Canadian border-Willowick to Geneva-on-the-
Lake OH beyond 5NM off shoreline to US-Canadian border-Geneva-on-the-
Lake to Conneaut OH beyond 5 nm off shoreline to US-Canadian border-
Conneaut OH to Ripley NY beyond 5 nm off shoreline to US-
Canadian border-Lucas-Wood-Ottawa-Sandusky-Erie-Lorain-Cuyahoga-Lake-
Geauga-Ashtabula Inland-Hancock-Seneca-Huron-Medina-Summit-Portage-
Trumbull-Wyandot-Crawford-Richland-Ashland-Wayne-Stark-Mahoning-
Marion-Morrow-Holmes-Knox-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-
Southern Erie-
255 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 524 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Lake Erie, north central
Ohio, northeast Ohio, northwest Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely late this afternoon and
evening. The primary hazards will be large hail and damaging wind
gusts. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Torrential rainfall
will also accompany thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed this evening.

LEZ061-211900-
Ripley to Buffalo NY extending from 5NM off shoreline to US-
Canadian border-
255 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Lake Erie.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely late this afternoon and
evening. The primary hazards will be large hail and damaging wind
gusts. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Torrential rainfall
will also accompany thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed this evening.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 20, 12:50 PM EST, 3 hours 49 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
150 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0145 PM     Hail             3 NNW Erie              42.17N 80.11W
07/20/2023  E1.00 inch       Erie               PA   NWS Employee

            Quarter Hail at Presque Isle State Park.

&&

Local storm report, Jul 20, 4:10 PM EST, 29 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
510 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0433 PM     Hail             3 SW Erie               42.10N 80.13W
07/20/2023  E0.50 inch       Erie               PA   NWS Employee

            Estimated half inch hail at Pittsburgh Ave
            and W 26th Street in Erie. Time estimated
            via radar.

&&

Maines

Local storm report, Jul 20, 4:13 PM EST, 26 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
513 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0510 PM     Hail             Girard                  42.00N 80.32W
07/20/2023  E0.88 inch       Erie               PA   Trained Spotter

&&

Local storm report, Jul 20, 4:18 PM EST, 21 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
518 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0510 PM     Hail             1 ENE Girard            42.01N 80.30W
07/20/2023  E1.00 inch       Erie               PA   Public

            Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).

&&

Special weather statement, Jul 20, 4:23 PM EST, 16 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
523 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

OHZ003-202215-
Lucas OH-
523 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Lucas County through
615 PM EDT...

At 522 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles north of Delta, or 9 miles northwest of Swanton, moving east at
20 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Toledo, Swanton, Perrysburg, Oregon, Sylvania, Waterville,
Whitehouse, Holland, Maumee, Ottawa Hills, Berkey, Harbor View, Reno
Beach, Bono and Neapolis.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for
northwestern Ohio.

&&

LAT...LON 4172 8387 4173 8346 4173 8345 4172 8347
      4169 8343 4169 8335 4171 8334 4164 8323
      4162 8317 4162 8357 4157 8362 4153 8371
      4149 8371 4146 8375 4142 8388
TIME...MOT...LOC 2122Z 270DEG 15KT 4169 8401

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Garuckas

Special weather statement, Jul 20, 4:24 PM EST, 15 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
524 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

OHZ003-006>008-202200-
Wood OH-Ottawa OH-Sandusky OH-Lucas OH-
524 PM EDT Thu Jul 20 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Ottawa, northwestern
Sandusky, northeastern Wood and northeastern Lucas Counties through
600 PM EDT...

At 524 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Northwood, or 9 miles southeast of Toledo, moving northeast at 35
mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Port Clinton, Oregon, Rossford, Northwood, Oak Harbor, Genoa,
Woodville, Elmore, Walbridge, Millbury, Luckey, Rocky Ridge, Clay
Center, Reno Beach, Williston, Bono and Stony Ridge.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for
northwestern Ohio.

&&

LAT...LON 4158 8357 4169 8342 4169 8335 4171 8334
      4164 8323 4162 8312 4152 8297 4151 8299
      4151 8294 4146 8301 4146 8309 4145 8309
      4143 8361 4150 8362
TIME...MOT...LOC 2124Z 244DEG 31KT 4154 8349

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Sullivan

The radar

The Cleveland radar (KCLE), 106 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:38 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

25 thunderstorm wind, 12 hail, 4 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Ottawa

When: July 20, 4:39 PM EST
Where: Ottawa County, 5.82 mi NNW of Lakeshore
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.611, -83.103

Hail up to half dollar-size about seven-miles NNE of Oak Harbor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lake

When: July 20, 5:18 PM EST
Where: Lake County, 0.48 mi E of Mentor on the Lake to 1.5 mi E of Mentor on the Lake
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.720, -81.361

Power pole snapped and fell onto car. Also, numerous trees downed, one of which damaged a shed. All of this damage occurred on the north side of Mentor-on-the-Lake, near Mentor Lagoons.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lake

When: July 20, 5:18 PM EST
Where: Lake County, 0.59 mi WSW of Mentor
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $6,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.667, -81.340

Large tree downed onto car and large tree branch downed onto another car in Mentor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wood

When: July 20, 5:18 PM EST
Where: Wood County, 1.39 mi SE of Walbridge
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 41.565, -83.482

Toledo Executive Airport ASOS measured a peak convective wind gust of 59-mph from a thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lake

When: July 20, 5:25 PM EST
Where: Lake County, Fairport Harbor
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.750, -81.270

Widespread trees downed and siding partially peeled-off from home in Fairport Harbor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lake

When: July 20, 5:27 PM EST
Where: Lake County, 0.35 mi SSE of Painesville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.726, -81.247

Tree limbs downed in Painesville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ashtabula

When: July 20, 5:32 PM EST
Where: Ashtabula County, Conneaut
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.950, -80.550

Multiple large trees and tree limbs downed in Conneaut.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock

When: July 20, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Hancock County, 0.31 mi W of Jenera
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.900, -83.726

Several tree limbs downed in Jenera.

Hail, Lorain

When: July 20, 5:54 PM EST
Where: Lorain County, Avon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 41.450, -82.030

Hail up to quarter-size in Avon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lorain

When: July 20, 5:56 PM EST
Where: Lorain County, 2 mi E of Avon
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.450, -81.991

Two trees downed about two-miles east of Avon.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:03 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.39 mi NNE of Westlake
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.455, -81.918

Hail up to hen egg-size in Westlake.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:03 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.35 mi SSW of North Olmsted
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.416, -81.923

Hail up to quarter-size in North Olmsted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:03 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.19 mi WNW of North Olmsted
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.421, -81.924

Trees downed in North Olmsted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:08 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 1.47 mi SSE of Fairview
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.452, -81.835

Tree downed about two-miles ENE of Fairview Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock

When: July 20, 6:09 PM EST
Where: Hancock County, 0.32 mi SSE of Vanlue
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.975, -83.478

Top of maple tree snapped-off and limb snapped-off separate tree in Vanlue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:12 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.93 mi N of Lakewood
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.493, -81.797

Large tree branch snapped near Lakewood Park in Lakewood.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:12 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, Lakewood
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 41.480, -81.800

Hail up to quarter-size in Lakewood.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:18 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.86 mi NE of Parma Hgts
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.390, -81.760

Hail up to golf ball-size in Parma Heights.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:22 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 1.06 mi SE of Linndale
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.440, -81.735

Hail up to ping pong ball-size in Brooklyn.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:22 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.38 mi NNW of Parma
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.405, -81.722

Hail up to ping pong ball-size in Parma.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:24 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.15 mi W of Berea
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.370, -81.853

Several large tree limbs snapped and an entire tree downed in Berea.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:25 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 1.7 mi NW of Walton Hills
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.395, -81.676

Hail up to ping pong ball-size in Seven Hills.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:26 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.62 mi SSE of Brooklyn Hgts
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 41.412, -81.666

Hail up to quarter-size at NWS Cleveland Forecast Office in Brooklyn Heights.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:36 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.84 mi SSW of Valley View
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.389, -81.605

Hail up to ping pong ball-size in Valley View.

Flash Flood, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:40 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 1.34 mi N of Westlake to 0.92 mi NNW of Bay Vlg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3.5 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.469, -81.922

Flash flooding across the western suburbs of Cleveland, including Bay Village, North Olmsted, Fairview Park, Rocky River and Lakewood. Notable road closures due to flooding include I-90 East near McKinley Avenue and West 117th Avenue between Berea Road and Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, West 130th Street and Bellaire Road and West 150th Street north of Brookpark Road in Cleveland. Great Northern Avenue north of Brookpark Road was flooded with several feet of standing water in North Olmsted. Extensive basement flooding reported, including between 1 to 2 dozen basements in Bay Village and 175 basements in Fairview Park.

Hail, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:40 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.92 mi NNW of Bedford
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.393, -81.535

Hail up to half dollar-size in Bedford.

Thunderstorm Wind, Huron

When: July 20, 6:41 PM EST
Where: Huron County, New London
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.080, -82.400

Several trees downed in New London.

Thunderstorm Wind, Seneca

When: July 20, 6:49 PM EST
Where: Seneca County, 1.83 mi W of Bloomville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.052, -83.015

Two trees downed in Bloomville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Medina

When: July 20, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Medina County, 1.41 mi E of Brunswick
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.227, -81.803

Power pole downed along Laurel Road, between South Carpenter Road and Eisenhower Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Summit

When: July 20, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Summit County, 0.3 mi WSW of Macedonia
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.318, -81.505

Several tree limbs and entire trees downed in Macedonia.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trumbull

When: July 20, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Trumbull County, 1.53 mi NNE of Howland Corners
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.251, -80.742

Several trees downed in Howland Center.

Thunderstorm Wind, Medina

When: July 20, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Medina County, 0.73 mi NW of Brunswick
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.237, -81.840

Tree downed in Brunswick.

Flash Flood, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 6:53 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.84 mi NNE of Shaker Hgts to 1.35 mi ENE of Lakeshore
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 41.482, -81.566

Several roadways around and near downtown Cleveland flooded with cars stranded. Flooding of Doan Brook upstream of Lower Shaker Lake caused flooding of South Park Boulevard.

Thunderstorm Wind, Medina

When: July 20, 6:55 PM EST
Where: Medina County, 0.82 mi NNE of Medina
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 41.140, -81.862

Tree downed in Medina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trumbull

When: July 20, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Trumbull County, 1.06 mi ESE of Churchill
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.162, -80.653

Several trees downed in Liberty Township.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ashland

When: July 20, 7:07 PM EST
Where: Ashland County, 4 mi ENE of Savannah
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 40.992, -82.279

A few trees downed about four-miles ENE of Savannah.

Flash Flood, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 7:25 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.57 mi E of (Cle)hopkins Intl Ar to 0.84 mi E of Short Line Jct
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $350,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.419, -81.839

Several flooded roadways near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, including OH-237 South near Brookpark Road and Snow Road at OH-237. Several cars inundated by flood waters, requiring assistance from Cleveland Hopkins Airport Fire Rescue. More than one dozen flooded basements reported in Parma and North Royalton. Flooded roadways in Parma and North Royalton include Regency Drive, State Road, Thoreau Drive, Antoinette Drive, and North Akins Road near South Gateway Drive.

Flash Flood, Cuyahoga

When: July 20, 7:25 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 1.21 mi E of Short Line Jct to 1.33 mi E of Brooklyn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 41.419, -81.757

Flash flooding along Big Creek from just north of Brookpark Road downstream through the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The USGS river gage reading at Big Creek near Brooklyn (Brookpark Road) rose from 3.8 feet to a crest of 11.2 feet in 90 minutes, with the flooded creek causing flooding of a parking lot with less than 5 parked cars inundated. Downstream, the USGS river gage reading at Big Creek at Cleveland (Cleveland Metroparks Zoo) rose from 5.0 feet to a crest of 12.9 feet in 70 minutes. Flooding from the creek caused minor damage to festival displays staged in the low lying areas of the Zoo near the creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, Summit

When: July 20, 7:40 PM EST
Where: Summit County, 1.6 mi NNW of Comet
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.941, -81.542

Several trees downed in New Franklin.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mahoning

When: July 20, 7:57 PM EST
Where: Mahoning County, 0.34 mi NNW of Poland
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 41.024, -80.623

Snapped tree limbs caused roof damage about two-miles east of Boardman.

Thunderstorm Wind, Knox

When: July 20, 8:10 PM EST
Where: Knox County, 0.74 mi ESE of Brandon
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 40.315, -82.508

Several trees downed in Brandon.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Ohio in 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history Warnings in Ohio, July 2023

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1139459, 1139468, 1139469, 1139474, 1139470, 1139471, 1139472, 1139476, 1139477, 1139475, 1139478, 1139479, 1139480, 1139482, 1139481, 1139483, 1139484, 1139486, 1139485, 1139487, 1139488, 1139525, 1139526, 1139527, 1134209, 1139528, 1139529, 1139530, 1139536, 1139537, 1139538, 1139539, 1134203, 1139540, 1139541, 1140185, 1134185, 1134201, 1140186, 1140187, and more.