Severe storms swept through Northeast Ohio on the evening of June 18, 2025, unleashing powerful winds, heavy rain, and tornado warnings that left tens of thousands without power and caused extensive damage across the region. The tumultuous weather unfolded in multiple waves, testing the resilience of communities just as the area prepared to observe Juneteenth.
The first round of storms struck around early evening, triggering tornado warnings in Mahoning, Portage, Stark, and Summit counties. These warnings lasted until approximately 6:45 PM, signaling the onset of a dangerous night. Yet, this was only the beginning.
By 8:30 PM, a second wave of storms hit, spawning additional tornado warnings for Cuyahoga, Erie, Huron, and Lorain counties. While the warnings for Erie and Huron counties were canceled early at 8:45 PM, the threat remained palpable. Then, a third round of storms swept in later that night, prompting another tornado warning for Geauga, Portage, and Summit counties, which persisted until 9:45 PM.
These storms were no ordinary squalls. According to reports, winds reached speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, tearing through neighborhoods and causing significant wind damage. The impact was widespread, knocking out power to tens of thousands of residents across Northeast Ohio. Videos and images captured by locals, such as those from North Ridgeville and Crestline, Ohio, showed rain-soaked streets and ominous storm clouds gathering ominously over towns like Norton.
Despite the ferocity of the storms, the weather was expected to improve as the night wore on. According to forecasts shared by WJW, the severe weather and heavy rain were anticipated to move out of the area around midnight on June 19, 2025. While some lingering showers were expected overnight and into the afternoon of June 20, no severe weather was predicted during this period.
The passing of a cold front was forecast to bring a brief drop in humidity on June 20 and 21, providing some relief from the muggy conditions that had accompanied the storms. Thursday, June 19, 2025, which coincided with Juneteenth, was expected to be a day of lingering clouds and showers for much of the daylight hours, with gradual clearing from west to east around 4 PM. Temperatures were predicted to be cooler behind the front, offering a respite from the recent heat and humidity.
Looking ahead, the weekend was set to bring a dramatic shift in weather patterns. An upper-level ridge, often referred to as a "heat dome," was forecast to take control, ushering in hot and dry conditions typical of summer. This pattern could push temperatures in Cleveland to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time this season during the weekend of June 22-23, or early the following week. This would align closely with the city's average date for the first 90-degree day, which is June 21.
Friday, June 20, 2025, was expected to be the pick day of the workweek, with dry and more comfortable weather prevailing across Northeast Ohio. The humidity drop and clearing skies promised a welcome break after days of stormy weather.
Residents were encouraged to stay informed and prepared by following updates from local weather stations and using resources like the FOX 8 apps, including the new FOX 8 CLE+ streaming app available on Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV.
The storms that roared through Northeast Ohio on June 18 served as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community preparedness. As the region moves into the summer season, the promise of warmer, drier days offers a chance to recover and enjoy the outdoors, but the memory of those fierce winds and heavy rains will linger.
For now, Northeast Ohioans can look forward to a quieter weather spell, with the cold front's passage bringing cooler temperatures and a drop in humidity, setting the stage for a more typical summer weekend. The transition from stormy skies to sunshine and warmth is a welcome change, signaling that the worst of the weather has passed—at least for the moment.
