Cleveland, Ohio – A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect across northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania through 11 a.m. Saturday as dangerously low wind chills continue to impact the region early this morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, minimum wind chills ranging from 10 degrees below zero to as cold as 25 degrees below zero are expected, particularly during the early morning hours. The coldest conditions are forecast roughly along and south of U.S. Route 30, with the most severe wind chills occurring before sunrise.
Low temperatures are also expected to drop sharply, with some locations seeing near-record cold readings. Forecasters note that temperatures may fall further in areas where cloud cover clears before daybreak, allowing additional radiational cooling.
The advisory covers much of northern Ohio, including the Cleveland metropolitan area, as well as parts of northwest Pennsylvania. Major travel corridors affected by the extreme cold include Interstate 90 along the Lake Erie shoreline, Interstate 71 through central Ohio, and Interstate 77 from Akron to Canton. Motorists traveling early this morning should be prepared for rapid heat loss if stranded, even for short periods.
Officials warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 to 30 minutes under these conditions. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple warm layers, and cover hands, faces, and ears. Extra caution is advised for children, older adults, and those without reliable heating.
The National Weather Service also recommends protecting the “four Ps” — people, pets, plants, and pipes. Pets should be brought indoors, and exposed plumbing should be insulated or allowed to drip to prevent freezing.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later this morning as temperatures rise, but officials stress that cold-related precautions remain critical until the advisory expires at 11 a.m.
