Strong Storm Hits Erie County with Hail and Wind

A big storm rolled into Erie County early on July 21, bringing strong winds and hail that rattled the region.

Timing
Cleveland weather office began watching the storm at 8:30 a.m.
Thunderheads moving fast—about 55 mph—from Girard toward Ashtabula.
Radar Readings
Potential gusts up to 50 mph.
Hailstones roughly half an inch wide.
Impact Risks
Potential to snap tree branches.
Toss unsecured items and damage plants.
Official Warning
At 8:50 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Erie County, lasting until 9:30 a.m.
The warning signals an immediate threat to people and property; residents were urged to seek sturdy shelter.

Affected Areas
The storm was expected to hit many towns, including:
Erie, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva‑on‑the‑Lake, Corry, Edinboro, Geneva, North East, Union City, Girard, North Kingsville, Cambridge Springs, Orwell, Waterford, Albion, Andover, Linesville, Wattsburg, Riceville, and Harmonsburg.
Takeaway
This event highlights how quickly severe weather can move through the area and affect many localities. Timely warnings from weather services are crucial for keeping people safe.