Cleveland, Ohio – Wind gusts up to 50 mph will sweep across northern Ohio from noon through 8 p.m. Friday, creating hazardous crosswinds on I-90, I-71, and other major corridors ahead of colder air this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, southwest winds will increase behind a cold front late this morning, with advisory areas seeing peak gusts between 45 and 50 mph. Locations outside the advisory zone can still expect gusts of 40 to 45 mph through this evening.
High-profile vehicles face the greatest risk.
Drivers along I-480, I-77, and the Ohio Turnpike should prepare for sudden crosswinds, especially on exposed bridges and north-south routes. Gusty winds may blow around unsecured objects and could down small tree limbs, leading to scattered power outages. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport may experience minor delays if crosswinds peak during the afternoon push.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture and avoid parking under large trees.
Temperatures will fall back toward seasonal levels tonight, setting the stage for lake-enhanced snow Sunday into Monday. The National Weather Service indicates a 60 to 80 percent probability of at least 1 inch of snow across much of northeast Ohio during that period, with higher chances in traditional snowbelt areas east of Cleveland along I-90 toward Ashtabula.
Wind Advisories remain in effect through Friday evening, with improving conditions expected after sunset as gusts gradually diminish.
