Last week’s tornado marked the ninth to hit Geauga County in the past 10 years, according to the Geauga County Emergency Management Agency.
Last week’s tornado marked the ninth to hit Geauga County in the past 10 years, according to the Geauga County Emergency Management Agency.
The county has recorded 17 tornadoes between 1950 and 2024, along with one in 2025 and the most recent one on March 31, according to GCEMA.
While the number of recorded tornadoes appears to be increasing, GCEMA Director Austin Rice said improved technology may be a factor.
“The recording of tornadoes and things like that only goes back to 1950, I believe,” he said. “With the new technology, it’s a lot more accurate these days. I don’t know if it’s just because of technology or what.”
Rice said tornadoes in Geauga County have historically been lower intensity, with only EF0, EF1 and EF2 storms recorded, though some may not have been classified.
According to Geauga County’s 2025 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, EF1 tornadoes are the most common locally, with nine recorded as of the plan’s adoption last year.
Rice also explained the difference between tornado watches and warnings.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado formation, whereas a warning means a tornado has been spotted either in person or on radar, he said.
Tornado Safety Reminders
On the heels of last week’s EF1 tornado, which touched down in Russell and Newbury townships, according to The National Weather Service, Geauga County residents are being reminded of the importance of tornado preparedness and safety.
Emergency alert systems have evolved over time, Rice said.
“Some jurisdictions do have sirens still. Not all jurisdictions have sirens,” he said. “Most places are kind of getting away from sirens as a technology. It’s a lot older, it’s harder to maintain and they’re less effective than — it’s an outdoor warning system, right, whereas the cell phone or something like that, almost everyone has.”
Because sirens are designed for outdoor use, they may not always be heard indoors, he added.
For residents without access to a phone, Rice said a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio is a reliable way to receive alerts.
During severe weather, a person’s perception can be misleading, Rice warned.
“I know they always say you’re not supposed to try to outrun a storm, you’re not supposed to outrun a tornado or anything like that because you can’t judge the speeds appropriately,” he said. “It’s harder to gauge that perception of speed, distance, where things are really at.”
Taking shelter is the safest option, with buildings offering the best protection, he said.
“You’re gonna want to be away from windows, away from exterior walls if possible,” Rice said. “You wanna kind of go towards the middle of the building, I think the first floor is recommended, as well. Maybe like a closet, bathroom, something like that. An interior room.”
Windows and exterior walls are typically the first parts of a structure to be damaged, he said.
Residents in mobile homes should follow similar principles, seeking as much interior protection as possible, Rice added.
“You’re gonna have to try to get inside as much as you can instead of being near the exterior of the structure,” he said.
If avoiding an exterior wall is not possible, staying away from windows can still reduce risk, as they are structurally weaker than a wall, Rice added.
If you are outside and cannot get into a building, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends covering your head and neck with your arms, and your body with a coat or blanket.
Power outages can also be a complicating factor during severe weather events in Geauga County and residents should be prepared with backup options such as generators, Rice said.
For those driving during a storm, Rice reiterated that attempting to outrun a tornado is dangerous.
“If the weather’s really bad, things are blowing around, you can’t see very well, you should probably pull over regardless of if it’s a tornado or any other storm,” he said. “It is not recommended to go under an underpass, bridge or something like that.”
Structures such as bridges, overpasses or underpasses can pose additional risks if they fail, he said.
The National Weather Service advises that if you are in a vehicle and cannot reach shelter, you should either stay in the vehicle, get low and cover your head, or move to a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
“During these incidents, there might be cables down or trees that come down or something, so it’d be encouraged to be very careful and cautions avoiding those down powerlines, any type of a flooded roadway, any other road obstructions,” Rice added. “Just be very cautious around all that.”
