Storm Alerts, Downtown Sinkhole and New Pro Soccer Team Lead Cleveland Headlines
Cleveland, OH – March 12, 2026 – Severe storms, a downtown sinkhole scare, a TV blackout for DISH users and a new pro soccer team lead today’s headlines.
Cleveland is waking up to a busy stretch of local headlines, from rough weather to road hazards and big sports news.
Severe Weather Sweeps Across Northeast Ohio
Heavy rain and strong winds moved through the region Wednesday, prompting tornado watches and flood advisories across Northeast Ohio. The National Weather Service issued alerts through the afternoon as downpours created standing water and the risk of localized flooding.
Utility crews and city departments were placed on standby, and residents were urged to monitor conditions and report outages. While the strongest storms have moved out, officials continue to assess any storm-related damage.
Downtown Sinkhole Nearly Swallows Car
A large sinkhole that opened at a downtown intersection over the weekend nearly caused a serious accident. Surveillance video released by the city shows the hole widening as barricades gradually slipped into the opening.
A 72-year-old driver narrowly avoided driving into the sinkhole, stopping just short of the crumbling pavement. Crews are now working to stabilize and repair the intersection as engineers investigate the cause.
DISH Customers Lose Access to 19 News
Thousands of local viewers lost access to 19 News on Tuesday after DISH Network and the station’s parent company failed to reach a contract renewal agreement. The blackout began March 10 and affects DISH subscribers across the Cleveland area.
Station officials say negotiations are ongoing, while viewers are being directed to other providers and streaming options for continued access.
MLS Next Pro Team Announced for Cleveland
On a brighter note for sports fans, MLS Next Pro announced March 10 that Cleveland’s new club will be called Forest City Cleveland. The team is set to begin play in the 2027 season, marking a significant step forward for professional soccer in the city.
The announcement adds to Cleveland’s growing sports landscape and is expected to bring new energy to the local soccer community.
Sources
https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/03/11/tornado-watches-flood-warnings-northeast-ohio/
https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/03/11/car-nearly-falls-into-massive-sinkhole/
https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/03/10/dish-drops-19-news-its-service/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_City_Cleveland
