Cleveland, Ohio – A brief break in snowfall across northeast Ohio will give way to another round of impactful lake effect snow tonight, creating hazardous travel conditions into Friday, especially east of Cleveland. The most persistent snow bands are expected to set up during the evening and overnight hours, targeting the primary snowbelt.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, an additional 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected across much of the snowbelt between tonight and Friday evening, with higher totals of 4 to 6 inches likely in Erie County, Pennsylvania. In the higher terrain of Erie County, localized amounts could approach 7 inches where snow bands remain locked in place. Snowfall rates may briefly reach 1 inch per hour overnight.
Cleveland and areas west toward Lorain County may see lighter accumulations, generally an inch or less, as the most intense lake effect bands stay east. Communities including Mentor, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Edinboro, and Meadville are more likely to see steady snow and reduced visibility. Interstate 90 east of Cleveland and secondary roads in the snowbelt could become snow-covered quickly during heavier bursts.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate this evening, particularly for overnight drivers and early Friday commuters. Poor visibility and slick roads may develop rapidly under heavier snow bands. Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary travel in the hardest-hit areas.
Temperatures will remain cold enough to support accumulating snow through Friday, limiting melting. Road crews will be monitoring band placement, which will determine where the highest impacts occur.
Lake effect snow is expected to gradually taper late Friday, though additional advisories could be issued if bands persist or intensify overnight. Residents should continue to monitor updates and be prepared for changing conditions through Friday evening.
