Water Damage Restoration in Cleveland, OH
Cleveland by the numbers: 43 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 92 freezing nights a year. Below: first steps, the records, Ohio insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Cleveland
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Cleveland Floods
The 6 counties of the Cleveland metro area logged flooding on 43 days from 2016 to 2025 (103 NOAA reports), June most often.
At the Cleveland Burke Airport gauge, July is the wettest month with 3.7 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 1.8 |
| February | 2 | 1.5 |
| March | 2 | 2.4 |
| April | 5 | 3.1 |
| May | 7 | 3.5 |
| June | 10 | 2.8 |
| July | 6 | 3.7 |
| August | 5 | 3.5 |
| September | 1 | 2.9 |
| October | 1 | 3.2 |
| November | 0 | 2.9 |
| December | 0 | 2 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga County | 21 | 54 |
| Lorain County | 10 | 13 |
| Lake County | 8 | 12 |
| Medina County | 8 | 12 |
| Ashtabula County | 6 | 8 |
| Geauga County | 4 | 4 |
Freezing Nights in Cleveland
Cleveland averages 92 nights a year at or below 32°F (Cleveland Burke Airport station). About 29 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 26 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 6 counties of the Cleveland metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Cleveland
Notable NOAA storm reports
- April 15, 2026: Hail, 2.25 inch hail (Cuyahoga County)Multiple reports of hail up to golf ball-size to slightly larger than hen egg-size in Bedford. For example, received a picture of a 2.25 diameter hailstone, measured with a ruler, in Bedford.
- August 6, 2024: Thunderstorm wind, 86 mph gust (Cuyahoga County)Entire roof was blown-off a building at an auto wrecking facility at the corner of Storer Avenue and West 65th Street in Cleveland.
- August 24, 2023: Tornado, EF2 (Cuyahoga County)A tornado with estimated peak winds of 120 mph impacted portions of Warrensville Heights and Bedford Heights. This tornado began along Vera Street, just east of Green Road, where several trees were downed.
- July 5, 2019: Flash flood (Cuyahoga County)During the early afternoon of July 5 thunderstorms with torrential rain fell across portions of Cuyahoga County. Radar estimates put storm total rain amounts between 2.5 and 3 inches in the City of Parma.
- November 5, 2017: Tornado, EF2 (Ashtabula County)An EF0 tornado touched downed in a field in rural Wayne Township near the southern border of Ashtabula County. The initial touchdown occurred along Hayes Road about half way between U.S. Route 322 and the county line.
Cleveland Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Cleveland (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 201,141 housing units, a median build year of 1941, 85% built before 1980, 79% before 1970, 42% owner occupied.
Ohio Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Ohio insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days of receiving notice (Ohio Adm. Code 3901-1-54).
Claim problems in Ohio go to the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Cleveland flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Cleveland
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Cleveland
The same 24/7 line covers the Cleveland metro area, including:
- Cleveland
- Parma
- Lorain
- Elyria
- Lakewood
- Euclid
- Mentor
- Strongsville
- Cleveland Heights
- North Ridgeville
- Brunswick
- Westlake
Other Ohio city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Cleveland?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 12 and the median last is April 8 at the Cleveland Burke Airport station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, Ohio Adm. Code 3901-1-54, EPA mold guide.