Damaging Winds in Ohio, May 9, 2026

Name: Damaging Winds in Ohio, May 9, 2026
Start: 2026-05-09T17:32
End: 2026-05-09T19:00
Location: Ohio

May 9, 2026 · NWS CLE · 9 events in 4 counties and zones

On the afternoon and evening of Saturday, May 9, 2026, a line of thunderstorms swept across Lake Erie, Northern Ohio, and Northwest Pennsylvania. Within this line, several severe thunderstorms produced marine wind gusts, wind gusts over land, and wind damage over land areas.

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: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 9

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.

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 May 9, 2:39 PM EST, 2 hours 53 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

1) Showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon with a higher chance along and ahead of the cold front this evening. Some storms may be strong to severe with possible isolated damaging winds and up to quarter size hail. 2) Below average temperatures with high pressure building in starting Sunday afternoon through Tuesday. Potential for frost/freeze Tuesday morning. 3) Unsettled weather returns mid week with a low pressure system moving through the Great Lakes region.

Area forecast discussion, May 9, 2:39 PM EST, 2 hours 53 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
339 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Given the current trends, thunderstorms during the day seem less
likely, though are still possible. Showers and thunderstorms still
remain on track along and ahead of the cold front this evening.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon with a
higher chance along and ahead of the cold front this evening. Some
storms may be strong to severe with possible isolated damaging winds
and up to quarter size hail.

2) Below average temperatures with high pressure building in
starting Sunday afternoon through Tuesday. Potential for
frost/freeze Tuesday morning.

3) Unsettled weather returns mid week with a low pressure system
moving through the Great Lakes region.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...

Residual low level clouds from early morning precipitation have
started to dissipate in western and northern Ohio and should
continue to clear out throughout the afternoon. Temperatures as a
result have started to climb up into the low to mid 60s with dew
points in the low 50s. Instability will increase as well with the
temperatures, though how much it increases will be dependent on if
temperatures can climb a bit higher in the upper 60s to low 70s.
Currently, MLCAPE is forecast to be around 500-1000 J/kg and MUCAPE
near 1000 J/kg by later this afternoon with a few areas possibly
reaching above that. Winds shear will also increase ahead of the
approaching cold front, though will be on the weaker side with bulk
shear around 40 knots. Freezing levels will be low as well, which
could support some hail, though given the conditions above, hail
around quarter size or less seems realistic. There will also be a
strong with an isolated damaging wind threat along and ahead of the
cold front. The cold front will pass through the region between late
tonight into early tomorrow morning which could carry a strong wind
threat with it. Though with instability waning into the late
evening, the severe threat will become less likely and should
anticipate more showers than thunderstorms.

Scattered rain showers will likely linger behind the cold front
across the southern and eastern portions of the CWA into Sunday
morning. High pressure builds in Sunday afternoon and rain will
clear out by then. Rain totals through tomorrow morning will be
minimal, with highest amounts in more persistent rainfall being
around a half an inch.

KEY MESSAGE 2...

High pressure will begin to build in Sunday afternoon with generally
west to northwesterly low level flow across the region through
Tuesday afternoon. Current models have 850 temperatures dropping
down to 0 to -3C Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning with winds
becoming light to calm during the time frame underneath the high
pressure. Drier upper level air will be moving in late Monday as
well which should clear the region out of any cloud cover by
Tuesday. This will create the potential for some frost/freeze across
the region Tuesday morning as temperatures will drop down into the
mid to upper 30s with some locations dropping into the low 30s. The
colder of those temperatures look to be in eastern Ohio and
northwestern Pennsylvania away from the lakeshore. Flow will shift
to be out of the southwest Tuesday afternoon on the west side of the
high pressure and temperatures will climb into the upper 50s to
low 60s for highs.

KEY MESSAGE 3...

A low pressure system will enter the region late Tuesday night as a
upper level trough ejects out of the Canadian plains and moves
southeast into the Great Lakes region. Precipitation will begin to
move in late Tuesday night and persist through much of the day
Wednesday. Don't anticipate much thunder with the system given the
arrival time, though a rumble of thunder would still be possible out
west Tuesday night and then again out east with the front midday
Wednesday. Moderate to heavy rain is possible at times which could
lead to some higher precipitation totals by the end of the day
Wednesday. Will need to monitor the development of the system over
the next few days to see the potential for any rainfall related
impacts.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z Saturday THROUGH Thursday/...
Mainly VFR across the TAF sites this afternoon with
deterioration to MVFR and IFR vsbys in showers and thunderstorms
later this afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front.
Anticipate showers and thunderstorms to briefly impact all TAF
sites with non-VFR vsbys, though the highest confidence for the
strongest storms (i.e., gusty winds in excess of 40 knots and
potentially large hail the size of quarters), is at CLE/YNG/ERI.
Light rain showers may linger behind the initial line of
showers and storms, with gradual clearing expected as a cold
front moves south through the area overnight.

Winds are generally out of the southwest this afternoon, 10 to
15 knots with gusts of 20 to 25 knots. Winds will gradually
increase over the next several hours to 15 to 18 knots with
periodic gusts of 25 to 30 knots possible, especially out west.
Winds will abruptly shift towards the north behind a cold front
overnight, 5 to 10 knots.

Outlook...Non-VFR expected in widespread showers and
thunderstorms Tuesday night through Wednesday. Non-VFR may
linger across the eastern half of the area in rain showers and
low ceilings on Thursday.

&&

.MARINE...
Generally quiet marine conditions are expected into early next week
with no headlines anticipated. Main concern will be the threat for
strong thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening with the
potential for gusty winds in excess of 34 knots, particularly across
the central and eastern basin of Lake Erie. Otherwise, relatively
light winds of less than 15 knots are expected through Tuesday.
Slightly stronger south to southwest flow of 15 to 20 knots will
develop Tuesday night into Wednesday ahead of a cold front, with
winds shifting towards the west to northwest behind the front
Wednesday night, 15 to 20 knots. Will continue to monitor for Small
Craft potential during this period.

&&

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

&&

DISCUSSION...23
AVIATION...Kahn
MARINE...Kahn

Hazardous weather outlook, May 9, 4:46 PM EST, 46 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
546 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

OHZ003-006>009-017>019-027>033-036>038-047-102200-
Lucas-Wood-Ottawa-Sandusky-Erie-Hancock-Seneca-Huron-Wyandot-
Crawford-Richland-Ashland-Wayne-Stark-Mahoning-Marion-Morrow-Holmes-
Knox-
546 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

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

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms
this evening, mainly before 10 PM. Damaging winds and hail up to
quarter-sized are the main risks with any severe thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

OHZ010>014-020>023-089-PAZ001>003-102200-
Lorain-Cuyahoga-Lake-Geauga-Ashtabula Inland-Medina-Summit-Portage-
Trumbull-Ashtabula Lakeshore-Northern Erie-Southern Erie-Crawford-
546 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 195 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

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

.DAY ONE...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.

There is a Marginal to Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms this
evening, mainly before 10 PM. Damaging winds and hail up to quarter-
sized are the main risks with any severe thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

LEZ142>144-162>164-102200-
Maumee Bay to Reno Beach OH-Reno Beach to The Islands OH-
The Islands to Vermilion OH-
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-
546 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Lake Erie.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible before 10 PM this evening.
Strong winds and hail up to quarter-sized are the main risks with
any severe thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

LEZ061-145>149-165>169-102200-
Ripley to Buffalo NY extending from 5NM off shoreline to US-
Canadian border-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-
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-
546 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 195 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Lake Erie.

.DAY ONE...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 possible before 10 PM this evening.
Strong winds and hail up to quarter-sized are the main risks with
any severe thunderstorms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 9, 3:27 PM EST, 2 hours 5 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
427 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

OHZ003-006-092115-
Wood OH-Lucas OH-
427 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHERN WOOD AND LUCAS COUNTIES
THROUGH 515 PM EDT...

At 427 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Sylvania to near Archbold. Movement was
east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Toledo, Swanton, Perrysburg, Oregon, Sylvania, Rossford, Waterville,
Northwood, Whitehouse, Holland, Maumee, Ottawa Hills, Walbridge,
Millbury, Haskins, Grand Rapids, Berkey, Harbor View, Reno Beach, and
Bono.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4172 8388 4173 8346 4173 8345 4172 8347
      4170 8346 4169 8343 4169 8335 4171 8334
      4164 8323 4162 8317 4162 8341 4153 8342
      4141 8388
TIME...MOT...LOC 2027Z 276DEG 29KT 4169 8378 4149 8430

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Sullivan

Special weather statement, May 9, 4:00 PM EST, 1 hour 32 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
500 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

OHZ007-092145-
Ottawa OH-
500 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT OTTAWA COUNTY THROUGH 545 PM
EDT...

At 500 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles northeast of Oregon to near Toledo.
Movement was east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Oak Harbor, Genoa, Rocky Ridge, Clay Center, and Williston.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4162 8341 4162 8315 4161 8309 4152 8297
      4151 8307 4150 8305 4148 8311 4147 8318
      4148 8319 4147 8320 4148 8321 4153 8341
TIME...MOT...LOC 2100Z 279DEG 19KT 4171 8332 4164 8360

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Sullivan

Local storm report, May 9, 4:48 PM EST, 44 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
548 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

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

0500 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     16 NE Harbor View       41.83N 83.19W
05/09/2026  M52 MPH          LEZ162             OH   Mesonet

            Mesonet station THLO1 9 SSE Stony Point.

&&

dk

Special weather statement, May 9, 5:01 PM EST, 31 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
601 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

OHZ008>011-018-019-092245-
Seneca OH-Huron OH-Erie OH-Lorain OH-Sandusky OH-Cuyahoga OH-
601 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT HURON...NORTHEASTERN SENECA...
ERIE...CUYAHOGA...SOUTHEASTERN SANDUSKY AND LORAIN COUNTIES THROUGH
645 PM EDT...

At 601 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 11 miles north of Avon Lake to near Western
Vermilion to near Green Springs. Movement was east at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Cleveland, Lorain, Elyria, Sandusky, Norwalk, Western Vermilion,
Vermilion, Parma, Lakewood, Euclid, Cleveland Heights, Strongsville,
Brunswick, Westlake, North Royalton, North Ridgeville, Solon, Avon
Lake, Warrensville Heights, and Amherst.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Strong
winds will occur ahead of the heavy rain. Do not wait to take
shelter in a substantial structure.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for
north central and northeastern Ohio.

&&

LAT...LON 4127 8308 4143 8263 4138 8248 4152 8202
      4148 8189 4149 8174 4163 8149 4157 8148
      4157 8139 4135 8139 4135 8159 4128 8157
      4127 8197 4120 8197 4120 8207 4114 8208
      4114 8217 4109 8218 4107 8243 4105 8244
TIME...MOT...LOC 2201Z 287DEG 47KT 4165 8197 4149 8237 4127 8301

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Sullivan

Special weather statement, May 9, 5:19 PM EST, 13 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
619 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

OHZ014-089-PAZ001>003-092300-
Ashtabula Lakeshore OH-Ashtabula Inland OH-Northern Erie PA-
Southern Erie PA-Crawford PA-
619 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT ASHTABULA...ERIE AND NORTHWESTERN
CRAWFORD COUNTIES THROUGH 700 PM EDT...

At 618 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 15 miles north of North Kingsville to 7 miles
northwest of Fairport Harbor. Movement was east at 65 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Erie, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva-On-The-Lake, Edinboro, Geneva,
North East, Girard, North Kingsville, Waterford, Albion, Wattsburg,
Northwest Harborcreek, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Wesleyville, Lake
City, Austinburg, Kingsville, and Hartsgrove.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Strong
winds may occur of heavy rain with these thunderstorms. Do not wait
to take shelter in a substantial structure!

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

&&

LAT...LON 4201 7976 4200 7968 4173 8031 4159 8100
      4186 8099 4187 8090 4191 8080 4192 8072
      4203 8034 4212 8013 4213 8015 4214 8009
      4215 8011 4214 8014 4217 8012 4217 8008
      4215 8010 4215 8006 4227 7976
TIME...MOT...LOC 2218Z 275DEG 57KT 4214 8066 4184 8135

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Sullivan

Local storm report, May 9, 5:25 PM EST, 7 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
625 PM EDT Sat May 9 2026

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

0610 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 WNW Vermilion         41.43N 82.36W
05/09/2026  M53 MPH          LEZ145             OH   Mesonet

            Mesonet station VRMO1 2 WNW Vermilion.

&&

dk

The radar

The Cleveland radar (KCLE), 7 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:32 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

9 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cuyahoga

When: May 9, 5:32 PM EST
Where: Cuyahoga County, 0.69 mi S of Short Line Jct
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.410, -81.780

Thunderstorm wind gusts snapped two telephone poles.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lake

When: May 9, 5:38 PM EST
Where: Lake County, 0.86 mi SE of Pleasant Vly
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.570, -81.390

Power poles and wires were knocked down onto a road by a thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Geauga

When: May 9, 5:40 PM EST
Where: Geauga County, 1.24 mi NW of Thompson Arpt
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 41.680, -81.050

Power poles and trees were knocked down in Thompson Township by a thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Geauga

When: May 9, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Geauga County, 0.52 mi E of Fowlers Mill
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.530, -81.240

Multiple trees and power lines were knocked down in Munson Township by a thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Geauga

When: May 9, 5:50 PM EST
Where: Geauga County, 1.03 mi W of Chardon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.580, -81.220

Thunderstorm wind gust down two trees in Chardon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trumbull

When: May 9, 6:20 PM EST
Where: Trumbull County, 1.48 mi NNW of Southington
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.340, -80.980

Thunderstorm winds downed several trees along county line road in Southington blocking the whole road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trumbull

When: May 9, 6:37 PM EST
Where: Trumbull County, 0.86 mi SW of Warren Arpt
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 41.260, -80.940

A large tree limb was blown down across Nelson Mosier Road by a thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trumbull

When: May 9, 6:42 PM EST
Where: Trumbull County, 1.56 mi E of Leavittsburg
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 41.250, -80.850

A power pole was blown down by thunderstorm wind gusts, triggering a fire.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trumbull

When: May 9, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Trumbull County, 2.08 mi W of Southwest Hubbard
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 41.150, -80.640

In Liberty Township, a thunderstorm wind gust brought down a large tree and wires, completely blocking the road and requiring heavy equipment for removal.

What these are

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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Ohio in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history Warnings in Ohio, May 2026

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: 1341128, 1341130, 1341131, 1341133, 1341536, 1341151, 1341159, 1341162, 1341165.