Severe Weather Soaks Fairlawn, Bath and Copley

A tornado warning issued for all of Summit County expired at 10 p.m., but National Weather Service warnings of severe flooding and thunderstorms will remain in effect in our area through Thursday evening. 

As of 11:00 p.m., no injuries were reported by authorities in Fairlawn, Bath or Copley townships, but the storms that ripped through our area tied up traffic, flooded roads and yards and ripped trees out of the ground by their roots. 

Here's a timeline of events

7:40 p.m. -- The NWS reported that a severe thunderstorm that could cause a tornado was seen in North Royalton. Richfield Village reported rain and hail. Seventy-five mile winds and heavy rain pounded Fairlawn and Copley. A tornado warning in effect until 8 p.m. was extended until 9 p.m.

8:30 p.m. -- Bath Police had no reports of downed trees or loss of power. Standing water was reported on Medina Line at Remsen Road; as well as Ira Rd. and & Firestone Trace. There were no traffic accidents.

8:50 p.m. -- The tornado warning is extended until 10 p.m. by the NWS and a severe thunderstorm warning was issued until 9:15. Heavy rain is reported in Fairlawn, Bath and Copley. Copley Township Fire Chief Michael Benson reports downed trees on Copley Road just west of State route 21 and on Cleveland-Massillon Road just north of the circle. Traffic is closed on southbound I-77 and route 21.

9:00 p.m. -- One lane of traffic is restored on Interstate 77 in Copley, there is standing water in the side streets off Cleveland Massillon Road by Copley Middle School and downed trees on Ridgewood Road past Copley High School.

Heavy debris from fallen trees is strewn across Smith Road by Fairlawn Lutheran Church. Baker Boulevard in Fairlawn at Crawfis Boulevard is impassible due to standing water.

9:40 p.m. -- Low-lying areas of Croghan park are severely flooded, and a large tree is completely uprooted. Another large tree and crossing light pole are uprooted just south of Shiawassee Avenue and Sand Run Road.