Flood — Cuyahoga, Ohio

2003-07-21 to 2003-07-23 · Cuyahoga, Ohio

Wider weather episode

Runoff from very heavy thunderstorm rains caused the Cuyahoga River to leave it's banks late on the 21st. The river crested at 12.64 feet at Old Portage around 10 p.m. on the 21st. The river fell back below it's flood stage of 9 feet just after midnight on the 24th. At Independence, the Cuyahoga River went into flood around 6 a.m on the 22nd and crested at 21.12 feet around 6 p.m. on the 22nd. The river fell back below flood stage early in the afternoon of 23rd. Considerable damage was caused by the flooding in both Cuyahoga and Summit Counties. Over 20 miles of foot trails, several miles of railroad tracks and eight bridges were washed out in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. Damage in the park topped $1 million. Significant flooding occurred along Canal and Tinkers Creek Roads in Valley View. Many homes on the east side of the river along Gleeson, Charles, Frances and Stone Streets sustained major damage. Flooding also occurred along the river in Cuyahoga Falls and Monroe Falls near Kennedy Park. Over 20 businesses along the river also suffered flood related losses.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5379394. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.