Latest round of Ohio thunderstorms soak cities, prompt tornado warnings again

CLEVELAND - Thousands of people were left in the dark after a powerful thunderstorm, capable of producing a tornado, whipped through NE Ohio.

The gusty winds knocked out power to 10,000 people, some 8,000 alone in North Ridgeville. But a check around 3:15 p.m. showed lights were back on for most customers.

Around noon on Tuesday, lightning hit the Euclid Avenue Congregational Church, directly across from the WEWS studio. The bolt jolted all of us inside. And we weren't the only ones to see the crash and flash.

[Follow this link to see more storm photos from July 3: http://on.wews.com/NtRwqW]

As FirstEnergy workers continue to restore power to those who are without electricity, area police departments are surveying their jurisdictions for damage.

In Strongsville, lightning struck at least one home. In Lakewood, tree limbs came crashing down in residents yards.

Officials at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport said the facility took a direct lightning hit, losing power briefly.

"For a short time, the backup generators installed last year took over and four minutes later power was restored," explained spokeswoman Jacqueline Mayo.

RTA issued this statement: "Because of storm damage, buses have replaced trains on the Red Line, between the West Park Rapid Station and Hopkins Airport. This may add some time to your normal commute."

Heavy rain at the intersection of State Road and W. Ridgewood Drive in Parma left bubbling sewers and water running off over retaining walls.

The storms began to brew around 11:30 a.m. when tornado warnings were issued for southern Medina County and northern Wayne County. Luckily, there were no reports of any twisters touching down.

If you have storm pictures, you can upload them by following this link: http://on.wews.com/zZsR08. Thanks to viewer Eric Shoe for sending in the storm cloud video from western Stark County.

Be informed before severe weather strikes by downloading our Storm Shield app for iPhones (for Android users coming soon). Click here to download the life-saving app: http://5.wews.com/7ra.