(WJW) — Though the National Weather Service forecasted wind gusts upwards of 60 mph on Friday, two local cities recorded maximum wind speeds as high as 77 mph — as strong as a Category 1 hurricane, according to FOX 8 meteorologists.
As all of the FOX 8 viewing area was under a HIGH WIND WARNING on Friday, March 13, FOX 8 meteorologist Dontaé Jones said maximum wind gust recorded in Cleveland and Lorain were clocked at 77 mph.
GET THE LATEST WEATHER ALERTS HERE
💨 🌬️ Quite the windy day across Northeast Ohio. Take a look at these wind gusts! Mind you, 74 mph winds are Cat 1 hurricane force. That 85 mph wind gust at Burke even knocked out our power here at the station. #clewx#ohwxpic.twitter.com/n8Xmsl8ea5
— Dontaé Jones (@DJonesFox8) March 13, 2026
Wind gusts of 65 mph to 85 mph are considered tornadic, according to Jones, and gusts of 74 mph to 95 are equal the strength of a Category 1 hurricane — the lowest classification.
An 85 mph burst recorded at Burke Lakefront Airport knocked out power at the FOX 8 station on Friday afternoon…