HIGHLAND HILLS, Ohio — Hundreds of people were left without power late Tuesday afternoon after strong storms caused a microburst in Highland Heights.
Toni and Patrick Gaughan have lived in the city for just about three years, but just before dinnertime, a massive tree in their front yard was ripped apart, causing almost a dozen telephone poles to topple.
"I couldn't believe one tree did all of that," Toni said. "Definitely fells like a tornado."
"It's just crazy to see it up front and up close and how easily it just snapped that utility pole," Patrick added.
FORECAST: More rain and storms on the way
A small storm was moving through the area and quickly created a microburst, a small area of strong winds. The damage and aftermath showed just how dangerous of a weather event it can be.
At least eight power poles collapsed during the storm, leaving some people trapped in their cars under wires. Nobody was injured, and at this time FirstEnergy estimates most customers will have their power restored by 5 a.m. Thursday.
"We're hybrid workers," Toni told 3News, "so it looks like we'll be in the office most of this week."