CLEVELAND, Ohio – Northeast Ohio is in the thick of the hazardous weather conditions promised by the National Weather Service. Lake-effect snow warnings and winter storm advisories arrived as much of the area sat down to Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday evening.
As of midday Friday, much of the promised wintery mix had yet to land in Cleveland and points west. However, points east along Lake Erie have upward of a foot of snow reported, according to the weather service.
Lake County has 6 to 8 inches in some places, with Geauga County reporting up to that amount, as well. Ashtabula County reports suggest a foot of snow has fallen since yesterday in some places.
Accumulation appears to be wavering a bit further south of the lake.
The weather service continues to forecast inclement weather and is urging residents and holiday travelers to be vigilant and postpone travel if possible until at least 10 a.m. Saturday, when this round of heavy lake-effect snow bands and showers is expected to halt.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” a weather service report detailed just before 11 a.m. Friday.
“The Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel. Visit www.ohgo.com for the latest travel, roadway, and traffic conditions.”
Cleveland’s forecast as of Friday midday indicated that a “breezy” evening is on tap with west winds of up to 20 mph and gusts as high as 31 mph. A chance of precipitation stood at 40%, including that of snow showers.
Heavy lake-effect snow is still expected in points east of the city along the lakeshore in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. Snow accumulations between 10 and 28 inches in total are still anticipated (1 – 2 inches hourly in places) with wind gusts reaching as high as 35 mph.
A break in lake-effect snow is becoming “increasingly likely” on Saturday, yet the weather service cautions that “another round of impactful, accumulating lake effect snow” is likely for Sunday and Monday, with the chance of precipitation at 70% and new snow accumulations possible.
Visibility may be severely reduced in these eastern reaches, dropping below a quarter-mile because of falling and blowing snow. Commutes and post-holiday travel, particularly along Interstate 90, are likely to be snarled by those snow squalls according to the weather service’s reports.