National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Overview

A strong low pressure system tracked eastward from the Upper Midwest through the central Great Lakes region on Friday, March 13. As this low passed, the combination of a tight pressure gradient, strong mid-level wind field, and a well-mixed boundary layer produced several hours of damaging winds in the southern Great Lakes region. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common areawide. A burst of enhanced winds occurred with the passage of the associated cold front. A broken line of showers along the cold front combined with mid-level dry air caused extensive evaporative cooling. This led to strong downdrafts and momentum transfer of wind energy to the ground, resulting in some localized 75 to 85 mph gusts in the mid-afternoon. Over 600,000 residents lost power in Ohio, and damage to trees, power lines, and roofs was extensive.

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Mid-level water vapor loop from 8 AM on March 13 to 8 AM on March 14, 2026.
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