Stark County, Ohio

A line of severe thunderstorms moved east across Stark County during the early evening hours of June 22nd and caused extensive damage. In addition to straight winds estimated to be nearly 70 mph, this line of storms produced two tornadoes in Stark County. The tornadoes and straight line winds combined to destroy or heavily damage around 50 homes. Another 125 homes sustained minor damage. A 17 year boy was killed around 5:40 p.m. in Sugar Creek Township after the tent he was in was struck by a falling tree. A second boy inside the tent was injured. This incident occurred at a hunting club on Lawndell Road SW. Every township and municipality in the county reported damage during this event. As many as 2,000 trees and limbs were downed in the county. In addition to the damage done to homes and businesses, dozens of cars were also damaged by fallen trees. Pike, Sandy, Sugar Creek and Bethlehem Townships were especially hard hit. Local officials stated that nearly every road in Pike Township was blocked by fallen trees or limbs after this line moved through.

Hail as large as tennis balls fell on portions of the City of Canton and also across the northern half of Canton Township. Hen Egg size hail was reported at the Pro Football Hall of Fame along Interstate 77. The hail lasted several minutes at most locations. Thousands of vehicles and homes were damaged by the hail. The damage appeared to be the most extensive on the south side of Canton.

On the evening of June 18th heavy rain fell over northern Stark County between 6 and 7 PM. A automated rain gauge in Alliance measured 1.35 inches in that one hour. This intense rain on saturated ground and still flooded portions of town led to flash flooding and more intense damage to the Plain Township area. Two homes on Chaucer Street in Sherwood Village collapsed when their foundations gave way. Several other homes have sanitary sewer problems. More than 100 residents whose property sustained flood damage. 10-14 people were evacuated that evening from an apartment complex which was inundated with 18 of flood waters from a tributary of the Middle Branch of the Nimishillen Creek. Homes on Arboretum Circle were also evacuated on Wednesday night from the Zimber Ditch. Numerous roads sustained erosion and tar removal from the flowing water. Graybill Road between Massillon Road and Mayfair Road suffered erosion. Berna Road was closed for two weeks to repair two damaged pipes. Greensburg Road, near the 1600 block of Nimisila Road was also damaged by flood waters.