Week in Review: It Was All About Wind and Water

It seems like there hasn't been a day this week that strong storms -- or at least the warning of one -- weren't blowing through Northeast Ohio. 

Click the city name for a recap of the harrowing thunderstorms and the cleanup that hit us and other nearby cities.

Fairlawn -- According to National Weather Service reports, Fairlawn and Bath were caught for a time on Wednesday night between two major storm fronts: one coming up from Wooster and one coming across from Wadsworth; both were capable of quarter-size hail and 70 mph winds. Luckily there were no major injuries and only two roads were closed overnight although crews were still working on Friday to drain standing water in pars of Fairlawn and Bath.  

Stow -- This city also escaped major injuries, but Sirens wailed in Stow and Munroe Falls at around 7 p.m. as tornardo warning and high winds headed for the city. About 2,300 in the area lost power over night.

Cuyahoga Falls -- Seemed to get the worst of the severe weather.  Funnel clouds were reported by residents and houses and businesses were damaged by high winds.  On Thursday, a woman and her child trapped in an SUV by a downed tree were rescued by firefighters. 

Thankfully, Memorial Day is supposed to be dry and sunny (fingers crossed). But there's no doubt we'll have more nasty summer storms ahead of us.  

Here are safety precautions recommended by the  American Red Cross in case of  severe weather.

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
  • A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
  • A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish