A strengthening area of high pressure of James Bay extended down over Lake Erie. At the same time, an area of low pressure over the Central Plains increased the pressure gradient over the local area resulting in increased winds out of the east northeast. This persistent wind lead to water level rises in the western basin.
Water levels at Marblehead were elevated during a period of persistent northeast winds between May 16th through 18th. The water levels peaked at 75 inches around midnight on the 18th.  In Toledo the water levels were elevated around 78 inches for much of the 17th through the 18th, finally peaking on the evening of the 18th again around midnight at a level of 88.2 inches above normal water levels.

Lakeshore Flood in ERIE, OHIO
From 16-MAY-20 06:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High water developed on Route 53 on the west side of Sandusky Bay.  On the 18th there was street flooding on Parker Drive, Bimini Dr, and 1st St in Sandusky. Flooding occurred along the Cedar Point parking lot and surrounding homes along the causeway which sustained erosion.

Lakeshore Flood in OTTAWA, OHIO
From 16-MAY-20 06:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Port Clinton had roads flooded around noon on the 16th, including 163 by the bridge along with minor flooding on Put-In-Bay. Route 2 is closed W of Davis Besse near Route 19 and Route 590.  Water was in and around approximately a dozen businesses in downtown Port Clinton near the water on Madison and Jefferson streets, north of Route 163.  Water was high and inundating marinas near the mouth of the Portage River including the Port Clinton Yacht Club. Flooding was occurring around some homes on  Lakeshore Dr. Marblehead saw flood waters surrounding some mobile homes by East Harbor State Park. Put-In-Bay experienced road closure on Route 537 Bayview Avenue  near Squaw Harbor. About four businesses experienced impacts from this flooding.

Flood in LORAIN, OHIO
From 18-MAY-20 06:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: VERMILION ON THE LK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Despite normal river flows and levels along the Vermilion River, flooding occurred on May 18th. Flooding in Vermilion was a result due to backwater up the Vermilion River flooded Riverside Drive and Lagoon Lane with about 2 feet of water, cutting off a dozen homes from emergency access and some minor property damage. Impacts also occur near the mouth of the river with flooded parking lots of businesses and high river and lake levels reduce mobility of boaters under the Route 2 bridge given a low clearance.

Lakeshore Flood in LUCAS, OHIO
From 16-MAY-20 06:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Some minor flooding along area marinas and lakeshore roads. In Jerusalem Township there was inundation of Metzger Marsh and Bono Road. Just northeast of Oregon there was flooding on Bay Shore Road. The use of pumps were necessary to keep residents dry.
In Toledo Point Place peninsula flooded.

Lakeshore Flood in SANDUSKY, OHIO
From 16-MAY-20 06:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

State Route 53 and 523 was closed due to high water. County Road 260 south of State Route 6 had high water.