Actions

WEATHER UPDATES: Threat of heavy rain over for Saturday, Sunday should be drier and brighter

Cleveland weather from the Power of 5 weather team

By: Katie McGraw , News 5 Staff

Posted at 6:23 AM, Jul 16, 2021

and last updated 2021-07-17 16:58:28-04

CLEVELAND — The threat of heavy rain has ended for much of Northeast Ohio, but there were scattered reports of road flooding throughout the day Saturday, as well as reports of several rivers that neared or crested above flood stage. Sunday should be brighter and drier, with a few storms possible late Tuesday.

Weather Alerts:

The National Weather Service still has several alerts in effect Saturday:

Flood Warnings continue in Ashland, Huron, Lorain, Medina and Summit counties until 8 p.m., and in Stark County until 8:45 p.m.

There are River Flood Warnings in effect for rivers in Cuyahoga, Erie and Lorain counties.

Flood Advisories remain in effect in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Medina, Summit and Wayne counties until this evening.

See details on the weather alerts currently in effect here.

4:30 p.m. Update:

The Flash Flood Watch has been cancelled for most of Northeast Ohio since the threat for heavy rain has ended, but continues until 8 p.m. for Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Carroll counties.

Several flood advisories and flood warnings continue through the evening.

There's also some flooding reported at Cuyahoga River at Independence, Black River at Elyria, Huron River at Milan & Eagle Creek at Phalanx Station. This is because our radar estimates between 2-6" of rain falling for parts of Northeast Ohio over the last few days.

Fog is possible overnight but we should be much drier and brighter Sunday as high pressure builds in. Monday should be mainly dry with a few storms possibly late Tuesday ahead of another cold front.

Rivers rising:

Eastlake police posted video of the Chagrin River at 8 feet:

The NOAA monitors the Chagrin River at Willoughby, where it is currently at 9 feet, as of 1 p.m. Saturday. It is forecast to rise to 10.5 feet, and minor flood stage is 12 feet.

The Valley View Fire Department warned that the National Weather Service is projecting the Cuyahoga River to crest at over 19 feet Saturday evening. Valley View Fire officials said this will create flooding on many low-lying roads in the Village. They ask residents to not drive through barricaded streets or standing water. The emergency access road to Murray, Fosdick and Tiny Lane is open at this time. Please contact the Fire Department with any questions at 216-524-6469. For emergencies dial 9 1 1.

Road closures:
Cleveland Metroparks reports the following river fords are closed due to high water:

Valley Parkway from Albion to 82 is closed.
Valley Parkway between Puritas and Wooster is closed.
Valley Parkway between Old Lorain and Hogsback Lane is closed.

Other warnings and weather statements:

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY: Northeast winds 15 to 25 knots and waves 4 to 7 feet are expected on the nearshore waters of Lake Erie. This is in effect until 4 am Sunday. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
BEACH HAZARD STATEMENT: High risk of rip currents expected. This is in effect from 11 am through late tonight. Counties included are Lake, Ashtabula, Erie, Lorain and Cuyahoga. Wind and wave action will cause currents on the lakeshore. Swimmers should not enter the water. Currents can carry swimmers away from shore through a sand bar and along structures extending out into the lake.

Viewer flooding reports:

Viewer Joseph Scherma shared photos and a video showing significant floodwaters on several roads and at a Taco Bell in the Macedonia area:

Other impacts:

Power has been out at the West Side Market all morning, though Cleveland Public Power did not confirm the cause.

Timing update from Saturday morning:
It is a soggy and dreary start to your weekend. A final wave of showers is pushing through NE Ohio this morning. Showers will end from west to east. That means it will be dry soon in our western communities and may even see some sunshine today! Showers and isolated storms are expected to linger into the afternoon in our eastern communities. By the early evening, many locations look to be dry with only isolated showers remaining in our NE counties. Everyone will be dry tonight with decreasing clouds. Patchy to dense fog is possible overnight and early tomorrow morning. Check out the images of Futurecast to get an idea about timing and coverage for the rest of the day.