Microburst Storm Devastated Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — A microburst storm tore through Cleveland Heights over the weekend, leaving thousands without power and downing more than 120 power lines and trees. More than 1,300 people are still in the dark on Monday morning in the city.

A microburst is a downdraft of sinking air that happens during a thunderstorm, the National Weather Service said. Microbursts can cause extensive damage, as it did in Cleveland Heights. During a microburst, winds can hit 100 mph or more (the equivalent of an EF-1 tornado).

The microburst uprooted trees and downed more than 120 power lines in the county. On Friday evening, more than 8,000 Cleveland Heights residents were without power. Nearly 1,300 people were still in the dark on Monday morning.

FirstEnergy is estimating power will be restored to the majority of customers on Tuesday by 4:30 p.m. If there is a power outage in your neighborhood, and it hasn't been reported, call FirstEnergy at 1-888-544-4877.

Many streets were temporarily blocked by fallen branches or downed power lines. Crews have since cleared many of the road, though Fairfax is still a work in progress, the city said on Sunday night.

Crews are still working on the intersection of Coventry and Scarborough, the city said. In a statement shared on social media, officials said that work could continue through Monday.

This was the second microburst to hit Cleveland Heights in the past three years.