Flash Flood in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

An isolated thunderstorm developed on an afternoon lake breeze on August 10th. This storm, though small in structure and spatial coverage, had a high rainfall rates. The rain started around 5 pm and ended around 7 pm. The storm peaked around 6 pm where 0.94 or rain was recorded in 10 minutes (rainfall rate of 6.36/hr) in a real-time rain gauge in Beachwood just west of Pepper Pike. The storm total rainfall in Beachwood was 3.26, with an unofficial reading of 4.5 in Pepper Pike. The storm resulted in widespread road closures, flooded basements, yards, garages, and minor flooding on first floors. Over 200 homes and businesses experienced water damage, primarily from backed up storm drainage into basements.

During the afternoon and early evening of August 10 an isolated storm cell formed along the lake breeze over eastern Cuyahoga County. The storm produced torrential rainfall, measured over 4 inches per hour. The high rainfall rates combined with suburban development and higher terrain resulted in isolated flash flooding in the Pepper Pike community.