Intense Hail Storm Batters Cuyahoga County

Widespread damage reported to cars, homes, and businesses after powerful storm hits Bedford, Bedford Heights, and Solon

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a small town dwarfed by a dramatic, stormy sky filled with swirling, ominous clouds, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural forces unleashed by the intense hail storm.The powerful hail storm that battered Cuyahoga County serves as a sobering reminder of the region's vulnerability to the growing threat of extreme weather.Cleveland Today

A severe hail storm ripped through southwest Cuyahoga County, Ohio on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage to vehicles, homes, and businesses across several cities. The storm dumped hail ranging from pellet-sized to golf ball-sized, shattering windshields, denting cars, and damaging roofs. Emergency services responded to over 40 calls in Bedford alone, and officials in Solon and Bedford Heights also reported extensive damage from the fast-moving storm.

Why it matters

Hail storms can cause millions in property damage and disrupt communities, and this event highlights the need for better storm preparedness and response in the region. The storm also raises concerns about the impact of extreme weather events driven by climate change.

The details

The brunt of the storm hit Bedford around 5 PM, with hail ranging from small pellets to golf ball-sized pieces pummeling buildings and vehicles for about 10 minutes. Bedford Fire Chief Brian Harting said a number of police, fire, and service vehicles were badly damaged, along with many personal cars, including new vehicles on the Bedford Auto Mile. The storm also caused downed trees and flooded roads. Solon Mayor Eddy Kraus said the hail hit so hard and fast that he had no time to react while driving, leaving his city-issued Ford Escape dented all over.

  • The storm hit the Bedford area around 5 PM on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The intense hail lasted for about 10 minutes in Bedford.
  • The Solon area was also hit hard by the storm on Wednesday evening.

The players

Brian Harting

Bedford Fire Chief who responded to over 40 calls related to the storm damage.

Eddy Kraus

Solon Mayor who experienced the intense hail while driving and saw extensive damage in his city.

Brian Mitchell

National Weather Service meteorologist who reported hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter during the storm.

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What they’re saying

“It got dark and next thing you know the building just got pelted with hail.”

— Brian Harting, Bedford Fire Chief

“It was so hard and it happened so fast. So, you had no time to react.”

— Eddy Kraus, Solon Mayor

What’s next

Roofing contractors have already started assessing homes and businesses for needed repairs, and officials are warning residents to be wary of potential scams in the aftermath of the storm.

The takeaway

This intense hail storm serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change, and the need for communities to invest in better storm preparedness and response capabilities to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.