Tornado near Cleveland? Latest radar as warning issued for Westlake, Elyria, North Ridgeville and North Olmsted
A tornado warning has been issued for parts of southwestern Cuyahoga County and northeastern Lorain County, Ohio, amid severe thunderstorms on Saturday. The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the Cleveland area, with threats including 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.
Westlake, Elyria, North Ridgeville and North Olmsted are among the communities affected by the severe weather. Cleveland is also under a severe thunderstorm warning as storms move through the area.
Radar images
Meteorologists and storm chasers have shared radar images showing what some believe could be rotation near North Ridgeville, with the storm reportedly moving toward the Cleveland area. However, the National Weather Service has not confirmed a tornado.
At this time, the National Weather Service reports severe thunderstorms with damaging wind and hail as the main threats. There are also reports of heavy rain and flash flooding in parts of the area.
Also Read: Dangerous tornado tears through Dover, Delaware; damage reported
NWS Tornado Warning
A tornado warning remained in effect Saturday evening for southwestern Cuyahoga County, with a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moving east toward Cleveland.
According to the National Weather Service, at 5:18 p.m. EDT, the storm was located near Westlake, about 11 miles southwest of Cleveland, and was moving east at 30 mph. The warning was in effect until 5:30 p.m. EDT.
The storm was expected to move near Cleveland and Strongsville around 5:25 p.m. EDT. Other communities in the storm’s path included Brook Park, Middleburg Heights, North Olmsted, Berea, Fairview Park, Linndale and Olmsted Falls.
The warning listed tornadoes and quarter-size hail as the main hazards. The National Weather Service said the warning was based on radar-indicated rotation.
Residents in the warning area were urged to seek shelter immediately. The NWS warned that flying debris could be dangerous and that mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed. Roofs, windows, vehicles and trees could also be damaged.
