Ohio wakes under a steel-gray sky this morning as cold air settles along Lake Erie and wind pushes light flurries inland. Pavement feels damp and gritty, the kind that freezes quickly once heavier bands build later this weekend. It’s the kind of December setup that often turns fast, and meteorologists warn this one has the same potential.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Watch begins early Saturday and continues through late Sunday night for Cuyahoga, Lake, and Ashtabula Counties, including Cleveland, Willoughby, Mentor, Wickliffe, and Eastlake. Lake-effect snow could grow intense at times, with 6 inches or more possible in the most persistent bands. Gusts may reach 35 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow.
Drivers should expect variable—and sometimes dangerous—conditions as snow bands shift. Visibility may drop quickly on I-90, Route 2, and local lakefront corridors, especially during the peak lake-effect windows Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Plan extra time for errands and early holiday events; conditions may deteriorate rapidly once the primary band organizes.
Meteorologists now track a strengthening arctic surge pressing into the Great Lakes. As this colder air deepens over Lake Erie, snowfall intensity should increase. Snow may start early Saturday, then become blustery through Sunday with another 1–3 inches possible during the second push.
Temperatures stay cold enough for flash freezing, especially where slush accumulates and refreezes on shaded bridges and on-ramps. Keep winter gear in vehicles and monitor road conditions before heading out.
Quieter weather should return Monday, though clouds linger and mornings stay cold.
5-DAY OUTLOOK
• Today: Partly sunny; highs near 32.
• Saturday: Snow; 1–3 inches; blustery.
• Sunday: Lake-effect likely; highs near 25; travel impacts.
• Monday: Mostly cloudy; highs near 24.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy; highs near 29.
